MALAYSIA, with a strong economic foundation is constantly building on its wealth of infrastructural facilities.
One of the greatest strengths of hosting MICE events in Malaysia is that it is also one of the finest holiday destinations in the world.
With affordable shopping, eco-tourism sites and fascinating local culture, organizers have a choice of convening at either idyllic beaches or islands, modern and charming cities or refreshing hills and mountain resorts.
Apart from all these attractions, one can also opt for theme-related events with the help of professional conference or event organisers who are part of the ‘Meet and Experience’ programme designed specifically for MICE market by Tourism Malaysia.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Malaysia has the expertise, state-of-the-art centres and services to cater to the MICE segment. Most of its convention centres adjoin world-class hotels. Among the prominent convention facilities is the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre which is located within Petronas’ distinctive Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The centre is the most technologically–advanced, purpose-built facility for international, regional and local conventions, tradeshows, public exhibitions, entertainment and private functions. Its total function space is 20,059 sqm. Inclusive of support areas and circulation space, the facility’s gross built-up area is 120,000sqm on a 7.3 acre site. Other features include a 3000-seat plenary hall, 500-seat theatre, large conference halls, grand ballroom, banquet hall and 19 meeting rooms.
Another important centre is the Putrajaya Convention Centre (PCC) is located atop a hill in Putrajaya, the country’s administrative capital. The nine level venue offers 4,800 sqm of exhibition space, contains three main halls, two multipurpose halls and 10 conference rooms.
Some of the other major Mice centres include:
• Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), located in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, has a sprawling 35,000 sq metres of exhibition space. The centre also has integrated sophisticated technology including contemporary telecommunication systems, fibre optic cable systems.
• The Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre, located at the Mines Resort City, 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. The complex also includes two hotels, a golf club and shopping centre.
• Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre in Petaling Jaya offers over 10,000 square metres space comprising 43 meeting rooms, 25 state-of-the-art, column-free meeting and boardrooms, a convention centre, two auditoriums and one of the largest pillar less grand ballroom in the country that can accommodate up to 2000 delegates. It is part of Sunway Lagoon Resort, featuring hotels offering 1,234 guestrooms, suites, villas and serviced-residences, a theme park, a mega shopping and entertainment mall, medical centre, educational facilities, and a multitude of business and leisure facilities.
• The Genting International Convention Centre (GICC), situated in the First World Hotel in Genting – City of Entertainment, is among the main contenders in Malaysia as well as in the international arena for any big and spectacular events. Its pillar less hall, with capacity ranging between 2000 and 6000 people, can be transformed into a convention centre, a concert auditorium, a ballroom or even a reception setting. Equipped with the latest audio visual, light and sound systems, the GICC is an hour’s scenic drive from the Kuala Lumpur. Situated at 6,000 feet above sea level, Genting also has the distinction of having Genting Skyway - the longest cable car in Southeast Asia. As a modern integrated family-friendly entertainment resort, Genting features six hotels with over 10,000 guest rooms and suites, over 90 distinctive dining outlets, a shopping centre and theme parks.
Other venues include Sime Darby Convention Centre, Persada Johor International convention centre (due to open end of this year) and the rainforest-themed Sarawak Convention and Exhibition centre, to open in 2008.