S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-02-03)

MALAYSIA is laying the ground work at home to prime the government and private sector to grab a larger share of the regional MICE dollar.

Launched a little over a year ago, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will underscore MICE’s importance as a foreign exchange earner to government ministries and departments at a seminar this month.

The February 11 event will also highlight their role in aiding the development of Malaysia’s MICE industry, said MyCEB CEO, Zulkefli Sharif.

A second event for local MICE companies in April aims to help them encourage association meeting planners and incentive operators abroad to consider Malaysia as their next host country.

Industry partners will also be encouraged to participate actively in major MICE trade shows abroad, to network, establish contacts and strengthen existing business partnerships.

As part of the ramp-up of activities, MyCEB will expand its payroll from four to 15 people this year.

Malaysia placed eighth in the region in the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) 2008 rankings, based on the number of international association meetings hosted.

MyCEB is aiming to move the country into the top five ranking for the region by 2015.