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To be a preferred host for MICE, a country must be strategically located, cost-effective, well-equipped and offer many tourist attractions. Malaysia has all these and much more…
If you’re in the midst of planning a regional or global event, the host country is always a major consideration. You’ll be spoilt for choice, as there are so many locations all around the world to choose from. If your question is Why Malaysia?, here are some compelling answers.
COST-EFFECTIVE DESTINATION
Cost is a major consideration for any event, especially in the current economic crisis. In its Tourism & Travel Competitiveness Report 2009, the World Economic Forum ranked Malaysia as the fourth most price competitive country on the world, out of a total of 133 countries. So, if you’re working on a limited budget and would like to get the most out of the funds available, Malaysia is an attractive proposition cost-wise.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
One of the main contributing factors to the success of any event is in its venue. A venue that’s well-connected and conveniently located will no doubt make it easier for your participants to find their way.
Malaysia’s strategic location midway between the southern and northern hemispheres and also between Asia and the Western regions makes travelling to this destination relatively short and easy. It also lies along the route of most major airlines, which increases its accessibility from most parts of the world. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang is acknowledged as the best in its class.
Malaysia is the base of AirAsia, a leading low cost carrier that is making waves in the airline industry. The award-winning no-frills airline now flies to over 60 destinations in 18 countries. Its low fares have drastically reduced the cost of flying and thus, it is now more affordable to fly to Malaysia. For those who prefer to travel in greater comfort and with premium service, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flies to more than 100 destinations all around the world. The airline has received more than 100 awards in the past 10 years, including the World’s Best Cabin Crew, 5-Star Airline and Economy Class Onboard Excellence.
WORLD CLASS MEETING AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES
Modern. Comfortable. Well-equipped. These are just a few words to describe the various world-class convention centres in Malaysia. These venues cater for small scale gatherings right up to international conventions with a few thousand delegates. Many of these convention centres are adjacent to or within walking distance from five-star hotels and shopping malls, thus allowing participants to mix business with pleasure.
A) Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Winner of the ‘Best Exhibition and Convention Centre in Asia’ award at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2007, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) is a purpose-built convention and exhibition facility strategically located in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). Overlooking the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers and the 50-acre KLCC Park, the Centre has 2 auditoria; Plenary Hall and Plenary Theatre (seating 3,000 and 500 respectively), a Grand Ballroom, 3 Conference Halls, a Banquet Hall, 5 Exhibition Halls (9,710 sq m of column-free exhibition space on a single level), 20 meeting rooms plus the latest in 3G telecommunications and digital audio-visual facilities. The Centre was certified ISO 9001, ISO 22000 and OHSAS 18001 and achieved the Green Globe Benchmarked status in 2007.
B) Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
Located in Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) has been one of the favourite venues for exhibitors through the years. The centre has 35,000 sq m of exhibition space, one plenary hall, two multi-purpose halls, 17 meeting rooms, a press conference room and VIP suites. There are 4 exhibition halls; Tun Razak Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4, a large outdoor area for tented exhibitions as well as a foyer. The total floor area of the halls and foyer is 12,000 sq m.
C) MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC)
The MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC) is located in Menara MATRADE, an architecturally acclaimed icon in Kuala Lumpur. The main MATRADE Hall covers an area of more than 1,200 sq m and can accommodate 1,500 delegates in theatre-style seating. The hall has a proscenium stage and is fully equipped with ultra modern audiovisual facility, lighting equipment, and built-in simultaneous interpretation system. MECC also offers three Exhibition Halls, Outdoor Exhibition space and Amphitheatre, with more than 29,000 sq m of exhibition space.
D) Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)
The Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) is situated at the top of Taman Puncak Selatan in Precinct 5, the Sports and Recreational Precinct. The gross floor area of the centre is approximately 135,000 sq m. The largest hall is the Plenary Hall which is 4,123 sq m and can seat up to 2,800 people. The Perdana Hall (3,739 sq m) can seat a maximum of 5,000 people, cocktail style and 2,000 people, banquet style. The Heads of State Hall is 518 sq m and can seat 179 Congress U-Shape style.
E) Mid Valley Exhibition Centre
The Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, located right at the top floor of the Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, offers 48,300 sq ft of exhibition and conference space. The centre has direct access to Cititel Mid Valley, one of Malaysia’s most business friendly hotels. Mid Valley Megamall is one of Malaysia’s busiest and largest high-end shopping centres.
F) Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Center
Located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s central business district, Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Center is an excellent spot for major conferences and banquets. The centre offers a total of 2,686 sq m of meeting space. With 7 function rooms and the pillar-less Manhattan Ballroom (1,746 sq m) that can accommodate a total of 2,000 standing persons and up to 1,200 persons for round table sitting, Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Center offers innovative solutions to your business or leisure needs.
G) Sime Darby Convention Centre
The Sime Darby Convention Centre is located in Bukit Kiara, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre but yet within easy reach. The grand ballroom, comprising a column-free area of 19,000 sq ft, is able to accommodate up to 2,600 guests. The ballroom may be divided into three smaller function rooms that can accommodate up to 800 guests each. Other facilities include six smaller function rooms, a business centre, a VIP lounge, an auditorium, a hospitality suite, a training centre and a surau (prayer room). A Chinese restaurant, coffee house and basement car park complement the meeting facilities.
H) Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC)
Located in The Mines Resort City, just 20 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) offers 38,000 sq m of exhibition space with a column-free area of 8,766 sq m. The centre can accommodate up to 10,000 persons (theatre-style seating) and 8,000 persons (banquet seating).
I) Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre
The Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, located above the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, offers more than 5,600 sq m of exhibition space. The convention centre can accommodate up to 3,500 people for theatre style seating, 6,000 people for cocktail receptions, or up to 250 exhibition booths.
J) National Sports Complex
Located in Bukit Jalil, the National Stadium in the National Sports Complex covers 76,000 sq m and accommodates 100,000 seated spectators, and is ideal for holding exhibitions, concerts and corporate events.
K) Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC)
The Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, offers a 13,000 sq m pillar-less exhibition hall that can accommodate up to 26,000 standing persons, an auditorium with 272 seats, eight meeting rooms and a grand ballroom that can fit 800 people in banquet-style seating.
L) Genting International Convention Centre (GICC)
Situated in the First World Hotel in Genting Highlands, Genting International Convention Centre (GICC) covers an area of more than 150,000 sq ft. GICC comprises a Grand Ballroom, 6 meeting rooms at the first tower block and 12 meeting rooms at the second tower block. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 2,000 delegates in banquet-style and 4,000 delegates in theatre-style seating. The Convention Hall, which spans 20,000 sq ft, can cater for up to 1,200 delegates in theatre-style seating. Genting Highlands, which is 6,000 ft above sea level, is well known for its casino and theme parks.
M) Persada Johor International Convention Centre (PJICC)
The Persada Johor International Convention Centre (PJICC) is Johor’s first international convention centre and is located in Johor Bahru, the state capital. Its main convention hall (3,078 sq m) has a floor layout that can be easily converted into three smaller convention halls: Hall 301 (1,058 sq m) with a maximum capacity of 1,000 persons; Hall 302 (902 sq m) with a maximum capacity of 900 persons; and Hall 303 (903 sq m) with a maximum capacity of 900 persons. PJICC’s main exhibition hall (3,070 sq m), which has a maximum capacity of 2,500 persons, can be divided into two smaller exhibition halls. All capacities stated are in reception style but fully convertible to theatre, classroom and banquet arrangements.
N) Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK)
Come October 2009, Malaysia will welcome an impressive new addition to its line-up of convention centres. The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the first purpose-built international class convention centre on the island of Borneo, will open its doors to Sarawak and the rest of the world. Located by a marina overlooking a historic rainforest, this state-of-the-art venue can cater for events with as few as five people to as many as 5,000 people. For more information, visit www.bcck.com.my.
O) Taman Tamadun Islamic Convention Centre (TTICC)
Acclaimed as the first and only Islamic Civilization Park, Taman Tamadun Islam features Islamic architecture and rich artworks through the ages. Located on a 33-hectare site, the park is built on Wan Man island by the main Terengganu River. Taman Tamadun Islam also houses the Taman Tamadun Islamic Convention Centre (TTICC), which is the newest convention venue in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. TTICC can host events for up to 2,500 participants. For more information, visit www.tti.com.my.
AMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Malaysia has ample supply of accommodation, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious 5-star resorts. As at 2007, there were 2,360 hotels in Malaysia, with a total supply of 160,327 rooms. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia and the host of many major events, alone has 232 hotels with 31,334 rooms to cater for the ever growing number of tourists. From hotels close to the city to faraway island resorts, there are hotels to suit your every budget and preference.
SOCIO-POLITICAL STABILITY
Malaysia is a peaceful nation with a stable socio-political environment which is conducive for MICE. The government’s full support and assistance provided for event organisers, both local and foreign, also strengthens the case for events to be hosted in this beautiful country.
PRE AND POST-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
When you come to Malaysia for a convention, exhibition or event, it’s often not just purely for business. There’s just so much to do here, you’ll be treated to a host of new experiences. From the lush greenery of tropical rainforests to the golden sands of pristine beaches, Malaysia has a wide array of natural attractions to offer its visitors. Even as the country is rapidly developing in the pursuit of technological progress, the vast greenery has been delicately preserved to offer the right balance of natural wonders and man-made marvels.
To embrace the advancements in technology or to bask in the comfort of nature, the decision is yours. Sight-seeing and shopping in the cities, scuba diving, white water rafting, jungle-trekking, mountain-climbing or simply strolling along the many beautiful beaches here, you’ll bring home unforgettable memories to be treasured forever.
MOUTH-WATERING CUISINE
Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-cultural society is reflected in its wide variety of ethnic and fusion cuisine available here. The broad selection of mouth-watering delicacies makes the country a food lover’s paradise. Choose from local favourites to Italian, French, English, Korean, Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean and much more!
WITHOUT DOUBT AN IDEAL DESTINATION
In addition to the key attractions highlighted above, Malaysia also offers the best in Asian hospitality as it is a melting pot of Asian cultures and traditions. You’ll experience the friendliness and warmth of the Malaysians as soon as you step foot in the airport. The widespread use of the English language also ensures ease of communication for a pleasant visit here.
Welcome to Malaysia!
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