Organised annually by MyCEB, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), the celebratory occasion was graced by its new Chief Patron, Yang Berhormat Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Minister of MOTAC, for the first time. The event was also attended by 19 Kesatrias, representatives from local association, various business events drivers and members of the media.
"As a growing segment of tourism, the business events industry is constantly spreading its wings and it is the responsibility of MyCEB to continue increasing the pool of champions," said Datuk Zulkefli Hj. Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB. He continued, "One of the most effective voices for the industry is our Kesatria. To date, Kesatria has helped bring in 44 international conventions, raking in at least RM813 million for the country."
Present at the event to officially appoint these Kesatria, YB Datuk Mohamaddin expressed his enthusiasm for the incoming Kesatria - conference ambassadors and thanked the current contributors.
In communicating MOTAC’s aspirations, YB Datuk Mohamaddin said, "MOTAC is working towards the target of 30 million visitors for Malaysia by 2020, which is estimated to generate RM100 billion in tourism expenditure. While the year is only a month away to its ending, we continue to pledge our efforts to ensure that Malaysia regains its status as one of the sought-after tourism destinations in the world again."
MyCEB's pool of Kesatria has been growing from strength-to-strength since the programme's inception in 2012. Designed to identify and inspire local associations to bid for and stage international conventions in Malaysia as an accomplished host, Kesatria consists of distinguished thought leaders from key industry sectors commissioned to advocate the benefits of hosting and inaugurating international conventions to their industry peers and colleagues.
"Being a Kesatria comes with advantages. These advantages are purely for the country as we take on the role to push Malaysia a professional, global-minded and versatile location for conferences and more. I would say that the best benefit for a Kesatria is the recognition we gain as an individual, together with our dynamic team, in leaving a legacy. To the incoming Kesatria, welcome on board and this will be a great journey!" commented Dr. Azmi Alias, Secretary General of International Society for Minimally Invasive Technique in Neurosurgery (ISMINS), a Kesatria since 2013.
This year, the three industry champions that will be joining the ranks include:
- Prof. Dr. Goh Bak Leong, Past President of Malaysian Society of Nephrology
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhayati Abdullah, Vice President of Malaysian Water Association
- Prof. Dr. Tan Maw Pin, Treasurer of Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine
"It is an honour for me to join the Kesatria. Doing what I do best in my field, this opportunity will enrich my position as a key opinion leader. In one’s journey to success, there must be spin-offs that activate life-long learning, this is one platform to do so and I will certainly put my best game on to serve Malaysia," professed Prof. Dr. Goh Bak Leong, Past President of Malaysian Society of Nephrology.
*SPONSORS FOR THE 7th KESATRIA GALA DINNER 2018
- Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- DOREMI Services & Rental
