Eye-Opening Insights at MyCEB Association Day 2025 & Kesatria Malaysia Induction Ceremony: Strengthening Malaysia’s Business Events Future - Press Release

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KUALA LUMPUR – 30 APRIL 2025: The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) successfully hosted the MyCEB Association Day 2025 & Kesatria Malaysia Induction Ceremony today at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. This event brought together leaders from key industry associations who have previously organized large-scale international events. Their role is to voluntarily assist in identifying and encouraging potential local hosts to bid for and stage international conventions.

Together, the policymakers and industry stakeholders are working closely to promote the growth of Malaysia’s Business Events sector. The event, themed "The Power of Business Events Through Associations," highlighted the crucial role of associations in attracting significant international conferences and establishing Malaysia as a preferred destination for global Business Events.

Officiated by YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the programme highlighted the critical role of Business Events in Malaysia’s economic landscape. “Business events are more than just gatherings - they are economic enablers that bring high-value investments, foster knowledge exchange, and elevate Malaysia’s global reputation. With Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth reaching 5.9 per cent and trade value exceeding RM2.139 trillion in the first nine months of 2024, our continued focus on this sector will further position the country as a preferred International Business Events hub,” he said.

A key highlight of the event was the induction of new ambassadors into the Kesatria Malaysia Programme, a flagship initiative by MyCEB. This program enlists prominent industry leaders to advocate for Malaysia as a host destination for International Business Events. The role of the Kesatria is to promote the advantages of hosting and initiating international conventions in Malaysia to their peers and colleagues within the association market.

Since its inception, the Kesatria Malaysia Programme has secured 98 International Business Events, contributing approximately RM1.58 billion in economic impact and attracting 123,991 delegates to Malaysia. The programme continues to be a driving force in expanding Malaysia’s presence in the global Business Events sector.

Speaking at the event, YB Sivakumar A/L Varatharaju Naidu, Chairman of MyCEB, emphasised the importance of industry collaboration in advancing Malaysia’s economic agenda. “Malaysia is on a strong growth trajectory, with a projected trade value exceeding RM2.5 trillion in 2025. Business events play a crucial role in this success, catalysing economic development and industry innovation. MyCEB remains committed to working with associations and key stakeholders to achieve our vision of making Malaysia one of the top five Business Events powerhouses in the Asia Pacific region by 2030,” he said.

As Malaysia strengthens its position in the global Business Events industry, MyCEB continues to provide strategic support for associations and event organisers through various programmes and initiatives. Miss Tan Mei Phing, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB, reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to industry growth. “Associations are the backbone of the Business Events industry, and through MyCEB Association Day, we aim to empower association leaders with the tools and insights needed to bring high-impact international events to Malaysia. The Kesatria Malaysia Programme has demonstrated immense success, and we are confident that with the dedication of our new Kesatria ambassadors, Malaysia will continue to secure major global events, reinforcing our position as a leading Business Events destination,” she said.

The full-day program featured a dynamic lineup of insightful sessions and networking opportunities. It began with opening remarks by YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. This was followed by thought-provoking panel discussions on industry trends, growth strategies for associations, and the future of Business Events in Malaysia. The highlight of the event was the prestigious Kesatria Malaysia Induction Ceremony. The day concluded with a networking reception that fostered meaningful collaborations among association leaders and Business Event stakeholders.

With the collective efforts of government bodies, industry stakeholders, and association leaders, Malaysia is poised to further elevate its standing as a premier Business Events hub in the region. MyCEB will continue to drive initiatives that attract international conferences, exhibitions, and business meetings, contributing to economic prosperity and knowledge development while fostering a sustainable and innovative future for Malaysia’s Business Events industry.

As Malaysia continues its journey towards economic expansion, Business Events remain a crucial pillar in driving investment, knowledge transfer, and industry development. With steadfast dedication from government bodies, industry stakeholders, and passionate advocates, Malaysia is set to reinforce its standing as a premier destination for global Business Events.

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