PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) says it is in the midst of formulating a proposal to reopen the country’s borders to delegations coming for business events from neighbouring countries.
In a bid to stimulate and revitalise the business events industry and economy, it said the proposal involves delegations from Singapore meeting in Desaru, Johor, Thai delegates in Langkawi, and officials from Brunei in Sabah and Sarawak.
In a statement, it maintained that any proposal to reopen the nation’s international borders must be in compliance with strict SOPs to ensure that Malaysia remains a safe destination for business events, also known as meetings, initiatives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE),
Meanwhile, MyCEB CEO Abdul Khani Daud welcomed Putrajaya’s decision to allow business events to be held in areas under the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
He said these events would be able to help boost the tourism, arts and culture ministry’s aim of achieving its tourism recovery goals.
“As an authority, we are also learning to cope effectively (with the pandemic). But at the very least, we strive to play our role as an active bridge between the government and various ministries for our industry players.
“It is through proactive initiatives such as the ‘Meet in Malaysia’ campaign that we hope to stimulate the business events segment further and help the industry kick-start its business again as soon as possible,” he said.
Malaysia joined other countries around the globe in gradually reopening the events industry after months of movement restrictions and lockdown, although the number of attendees for MICE events in CMCO areas is limited to 50% currently.
Khani said MyCEB would continue to play its role in positioning Malaysia as a hub for business events in Asia, even with the circumstances brought by the new normal.
He added that the bureau will be launching its 10-year strategic marketing plan for 2021 to 2030, with three strategic pillars — optimisation, foresight and competitiveness.
The 10-year plan seeks to expand MyCEB’s performance while showcasing Malaysia’s strength and opportunities to engage global business events meeting planners.