MALAYSIA

An Association Meetings International special supplement

Asia’s Business Events Hub

II MALAYSIA | amimagazine.eu | April 2013

April 2013 | amimagazine.eu | MALAYSIA III

Driving the industry globallyRealising the economic potential of the business events industry, the Malaysian government has included the segment in its progressive Economic Transformation Programme that is intended to turn the country into a full fl edged member of the developed world by 2020. Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) was formed in 2009 by the Ministry of

Tourism Malaysia to become the catalyst for change and to drive the industry to compete not just regionally, but globally.

Since MyCEB was established, the industry has progressively grown and Malaysia has undoubtedly constructed a world-renowned reputation for being a unique and pragmatic destination for the global business events industry. According to the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) rankings, Malaysia retains its position as one of the top 10 meeting destinations in Asia Pacifi c while Kuala Lumpur (KL), as a world convention city, jumped three places to rank fi fth in Asia Pacifi c. Malaysia’s solid track record of hosting international business events has witnessed numerous record-breaking delegate attendances, especially for global associations having their fi rst meetings in Asia and who

would like to enter into the Asian market.Th is supplement bears testament to that

progress. Th is initiative aims to facilitate both international associations and meeting planners, in choosing the best venues, facilities or services to suit their events. Here, we have focused on the best of what Malaysia has to off er. From world-class facilities such as our purpose-built convention centres, hotel meeting spaces and memorable gala dinner venues, we can also off er imaginative CSR programmes and spectacular pre and post-convention tour options.

At MyCEB, we strive towards becoming a central hub to assist meeting and event planners to bid for and stage international business events in Malaysia.

Come and experience all of Asia in Malaysia – Asia’s Business Events Hub.

‘Malaysia... has witnessed numerous record-breaking delegate attendances, especially for global associations having their fi rst meetings in Asia’

WeLCOMe

Zulkefl i Hj Sharif

Zulkefl i Hj SharifCEO, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)

LEGENDApproximate Flight Duration

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Cape Town

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StockholmCopenhagen

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Madrid

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Kuala Lumpur

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IV Malaysia | amimagazine.eu | April 2013

INTRODUCTION

Asia’sbusiness events hubColourful, peaceful and easily accessible, Malaysia boasts a sophisticated infrastructure for international association events, as Sally Trelford reports

Malaysia is strategically located between two giant economies – China and India – and in the middle of Asia, where more than

55 per cent of the world’s population resides.A colourful blend of Malay, Chinese,

Indian and indigenous cultures, this is reflected throughout the country in its diversity of food, architecture and lifestyle. It is also renowned for its colour and gracious hospitality. Malaysia offers an extensive and affordable choice of exotic, beautiful and exciting experiences within one destination: lush tropical rainforests, idyllic island resorts, abundant wildlife and historic towns. No wonder it manages to attract so many delegates to its events!

Malaysia ranks ninth globally for highest tourist arrivals (United Nations World Trade Organisation UNWTO, Tourism Highlights 2012) and is in the Top 10 Friendliest Countries in the World (number two in Asia) (HSBC 2012).

With direct access to and from more than 100 destinations worldwide, with 50 airlines including low cost carriers providing direct access, Malaysia is the ideal country in which to hold a large international event.

For delegates on a budget, there are many affordable options for travel in and around Kuala Lumpur by rail, monorail and taxi, and it is quick and easy to travel into the city centre from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). It takes just 28 minutes by train and 40 minutes by car.

For security and stability, Malaysia also rates highly: the most peaceful country in South East Asia and the fourth safest in Asia Pacific. It also ranks as the 20th safest and most peaceful out of 158 countries in the world (Global Peace Index 2012).

And of course, with a multi-lingual population – most can speak at least three languages including the national languages of Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil –

English is widely spoken and solidified as the language of business (English Proficiency Index Country Rankings: Malaysia ranks No 2 among non-native speaking Asian countries/Highly Proficient in 2012).

Great valuej Fifth Most Price Competitive Country in the World for Travel 2012 (Travel & Tourism Competitive Index, World Economic Forum)j Globe Shopper Index for Asia Pacific – Malaysia ranked second best shopping destination in Asia Pacific in 2012j CNN Travel ranks Kuala Lumpur as the fourth best shopping destination in the world in 2012

Impressive track recordMalaysia has an impressive track record for hosting some of the world’s largest and most prestigious international conventions with record attendancesj 25th World Gas Conference 2012 – 5,299 delegates*j 70th Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference 2011 – 2,200 delegates*j 18th World Congress of Accountants 2010 – 6,050 delegates*j 16th World Congress on Information Technology 2008 – 3,225 delegatesj 18th FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology & Obstetrics 2006 – 8,300 delegates

* World record attendance50 airlines fly in from more than 100 destinations to Kuala Lumpur International Airport

April 2013 | amimagazine.eu | Malaysia V

‘Malaysia lies in the fusion of it all, into a country that is one of the safest, most stable and easiest to

manage in South east Asia’ Lonely Planet Guide

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, known as MyCEB, provides a range of services to assist convention and incentive organisers including bid support, site inspections, product and service selection, planning advice, event promotion, government liaison and on-site support.

MyCEB’s knowledgeable team can provide advice on transport, venue selection for meetings and gala dinners as well as activities for social programmes. They can also assist with pre and post-tour suggestions and itineraries.

A non-profi t organisation established in 2009 by Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, MyCEB serves as a one-stop centre to assist meeting and event planners to bid for and stage regional and international business events in Malaysia and act as a conduit for national product development.

ContactMALAYSIA CONVENTION & EXHIBITION BUREAU (MyCEB) European representative offi ceAnne RidyardTel: +44 (0) 1628 526184Fax: +44 (0) 1628 521116Email: myceb@moulden-marketing.co.ukWebsite: www.myceb.com.my

Voted Best MiCE Country in asia

(the MICE Report Awards 2012)Borneo Convention Centre Kuching

Orangutan

Recent association winsYear Event name Venue/Host city Expected delegates2013 Wounds International Conference Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 1,000 Women Deliver Conference 2013 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 4,500 Global Women Summit Kuala Lumpur 1,000 International Dragon Award (IDA) Annual Conference Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 5,000 7th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 5,0002014 XXV International Federation of Surveyors Congress Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 3,000 12th International Congress on Obesity 2014 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 3,000 International Convention of Toastmasters International Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 2,000 Routes Asia 2014 Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching 500 16th Asian Congress of Architects Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 3,000 Million Dollar Round Table Experience 2014 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 5,0002015 Human Genome Meeting Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 1,000 Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacifi c Association of Cataract and Retractive Surgeons (APACRS) Kuala Lumpur 1,500 44th International Federation of Training and Development Organizations World Conference 2015 (IFTDO) Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 1,5002016 15th International Peat Congress (IPC) 2016 Kuching, Sarawak 700 The Asia Pacifi c Congress of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Kuala Lumpur 1,500 IEEE International Conference on Communications 2016 (ICC) Kuala Lumpur 1,500

Diving off Sipadan Satay

Why meet in Malaysia?Easy access: direct access from100 destinations worldwide

Safety and stability: ranked the most peaceful country in South east Asia

State of the art infrastructure: purpose-built convention centres, sophisticated meeting venues and facilities

Communication: english is widely spoken in addition to the three main languages of Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and tamil

Exciting social programmes: extensive and affordable choice of exotic and exciting experiences

Value for money: one of the world’s best value for money destinations

Beautiful climate: tropical weather throughout the year

Strategic location: offers convenient access to key Asian markets

Cultural diversity: a microcosm of Asian cultures

VI Malaysia | amimagazine.eu | April 2013

MeeTINgs INfRasTRUCTURe

for the futureInvestingMalaysia boasts an impressive selection of modern, well-equipped convention centres and hotels throughout the country. And there are more to come

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre www.klccconventioncentre.com

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre comprises: two auditoria (seating 3,000 and 500 respectively); 12,310 sqm of Exhibition Halls including a 2,600 sqm standalone marquee; a Grand Ballroom, which seats 2,000 diners; a Banquet Hall for 500; a Conference Hall for 1,800 and 20 other meeting rooms – all in 22,659 sqm of function space in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. With 1,673 four and five-star hotel rooms on site and a further 17,581 rooms within 10 minutes of the Centre, coupled

Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK)www.bcck.com.my

Located eight kilometres from Kuching, Sarawak, in East Malaysia, when it opened in 2009, BCCK was the first purpose-built convention centre in Borneo to accommodate conferences, exhibitions and multi-dimensional events. Its Great Hall offers 2,793 sqm complemented by 14 additional meeting rooms.

KL Metropoliswww.klmetropolis.com

Centrally located in the upscale Duta area, this development will include 22 office, residential and hotel towers, one landmark tower which might reach as high as 100 storeys, two retail centres and an exhibition centre spanning across 75.7 acres. The new Matrade Exhibition Centre will be the largest exhibition centre in the city with 93,000 sqm of space, which should be completed by 2015.

Meeting venuesVENUE No of meeting Plenary Banquet Exhibition Reception rooms (pax) (pax) (sqm) (pax)

Persada Johor International Convention Centre (Johor) 10 3,100 2,100 6,000 2,500

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Kuala Lumpur) 20 3,000 3,000 12,310 6,000

Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre (Kuala Lumpur) 8 1,500 1,200 33,000 2,000

Putra World Trade Centre (Kuala Lumpur) 17 10,000 7,500 35,000 10,000

Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (Langkawi) 6 1,600 1,200 20,000 1,800

Melaka International Trade Centre (Malacca) 8 1,100 600 13,000 1,000

Genting International Convention Centre (Pahang) 18 4,200 2,000 14,000 3,100

Putrajaya International Convention Centre (Putrajaya) 37 3,000 2,800 8,000 5,000

Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (Sarawak) 18 5,000 2,000 2,790 3,500

Shah Alam Convention Centre (Selangor) 6 2,500 1,700 2,240 3,000

Sunway Convention & Exhibition Centre (Selangor) 55 4,000 2,500 4,880 3,500

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Borneo Convention Centre Kuching

with convenient public transportation, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre continues to be one of the most sought-after venues in the region.

April 2013 | amimagazine.eu | Malaysia VII

Infrastructure developments New low-cost carrier terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport: KLIA2 is scheduled to open in June and will be the largest LCCT in the world with the capacity to handle 45 million passengers annually.

Greater Kuala Lumpur Plan:This project will include the development of a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to improve and increase connections and access to, within and from the city plus an extension of the Light Rapid Transit. The MRT project is the largest infrastructure development ever undertaken by Malaysia and is expected to be completed by 2020. It is expected to cover a radius of 20km from the city centre.

Part of the plan also includes the construction of a series of pedestrian walkways, totaling 42 kms, linking Bukit Bintang and KL city centre. A 562-metre long elevated and air-conditioned walkway has been completed linking the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to the Impiana Hotel and the hotel to the Pavilion bridge crossing in Bukit Bintang.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Khoo Kongsi, Penang

Multicultural diversity

Putrajaya International Convention Centre

Newly opened properties Hotel Rating No of Rooms / Facilities Location Lost World Hotel n/a 134 rooms Ipoh, PerakGayana Island Resort n/a 132 units (villas) Kota Kinabalu,SabahSouth China Sea Place 4* 174 rooms Kota Kinabalu, SabahAloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral 4* 482 rooms Kuala LumpurBest Western Premier Dua Sentral n/a 364 rooms Kuala LumpurGrand Hyatt 5* 412 rooms Kuala Lumpur

InterContinental Hotel (Formerly Nikko Hotel) 5* 473 rooms Kuala Lumpur 1,925 sqm meeting spaceIbis Styles Fraser Business Park Kuala Lumpur n/a 500 rooms Kuala LumpurImpiana Hotel (Extension) 4* 180 rooms (existing 335 rooms) Kuala Lumpur Somerset Ampang Kuala Lumpur n/a 207 units Kuala Lumpur Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences n/a 478 units Kuala Lumpur Taragon Puteri KL 4* 445 units Kuala LumpurThe Majestic Hotel 5* 300 rooms Kuala LumpurFour Points by Sheraton Langkawi Resort 4* 214 rooms Langkawi 192 sqm meeting spaceHotel Seri Malaysia n/a 104 rooms Lawas, Sarawak Best Western Plus Riverside Hotel Malacca 3* 170 rooms MalaccaHatten Hotel n/a 700 rooms MalaccaMulu Marriott Resort & Spa n/a 118 rooms Mulu, Sarawak(Formerly The Royal Mulu Resort) 200 sqm meeting spaceBest Western Sandakan Hotel and Residence n/a 170 rooms Sandakan, SabahFour Points by Sheraton 4* 298 rooms Sandakan, Sabah 1,500 sqm meeting spaceCitadines Uplands Kuching Upland n/a 215 units Sarawak TOTAL 5,362 rooms

Upcoming new meeting facilities/hotels in Malaysia Hotel Rating No of Rooms / Facilities Location Citadines D’Pulze Cyberjaya n/a 232 units Cyberjaya 2014Traders Hotel 4* 286 rooms Iskandar, Johor 2013Allson Capital Hotel 4* 198 rooms Kuala Lumpur 2014Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur n/a 143 units Kuala Lumpur 2013Hilton Garden Inn Hotel 5* 255 rooms Kuala Lumpur 2013Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Expansion) n/a An additional Kuala Lumpur 2017 12,500 sqmMATRADE Centre (New Development) n/a 93,000 sqm Kuala Lumpur 2015Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar 5* 513 rooms Kuala Lumpur 2013 3,300 sqm meeting spaceSt Regis 6* 208 rooms Kuala Lumpur 2014 18,580 sqm meeting space The Regent 5* 238 rooms Kuala Lumpur 2015W Hotel 5* 150 rooms Kuala Lumpur 2016 1,500 sqm meeting spaceUCSI City Island Hotel 5* 360 rooms Kuching, Sarawak 2013Best Western Premier n/a 300 rooms Malacca 2013Doubletree by Hilton 5* 265 rooms Malacca 2014Subterranean Penang International n/a 5,000 pax ballroom Penang 2015Convention & Exhibition Centre (SPICE)Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA n/a 333 rooms Selangor 2014(Kuala Lumpur International Airport) 26,000 sqm meeting space

VIII MALAYSIA | amimagazine.eu | April 2013

Case sTUDy

Malaysia’s record-breaking World Gas Conference 2012With delegate numbers higher than anyone predicted, Malaysia showed that it was more than up to the task of hosting this prestigious event

Event: World Gas Conference 2012 (WGC2012)Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Date: June 2012Organiser: Datuk (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim, President, International Gas Union (IGU) 2009 – 2012 Triennium, Malaysian Gas Union and the National Organising Committee

Touted as the Olympics of the gas industry, the theme chosen for the conference in Malaysia was: ‘Gas: Sustaining Future Global Growth’, and it attracted global gas and energy leaders from around the world. In fact, the world-class conference attracted a record-breaking number of delegates – up from an expected 3,500 to more than 5,299 from 90 countries. The five-day event also recorded 13,803 visitors to the exhibition, including exhibitors from 43 countries.

The WGC2012 marked the 25th anniversary of the World Gas Conference. Supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), it was a significant milestone for Malaysia as it was only the second time in the IGU’s 80-year history that WGC had been held in Asia, and the first time in Southeast Asia. To celebrate, the organising committee put together the inaugural Kuala Lumpur International Music & Light Festival with performances from some of the best ethnic bands from this region and displays of lights and fireworks each night of the conference.

With a greener nation in mind, WGC2012 worked with MyCEB and Forest Reserve Institute Malaysia (FRIM) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The project aimed to support MyCEB’s efforts to support the government’s vision of offsetting 40 per cent of carbon emissions by 2020.

Said Datuk Anuar Ahmad, chairman of the National Organising Committee for WGC2012, “MyCEB in particular gave tremendous support in the form of facilitating immigration clearance, strategic liaison

with the City Hall, arranging for pre and post tour programmes for delegates and their spouses and also the sponsorship of souvenirs to the delegates.

“The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where the main conference proceedings and exhibitions were held, is well connected to three main hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Traders Hotel and Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa. In the vicinity are another 26 hotels and we provided shuttle buses and limousines for delegates.

“The Centre provided the food and refreshments for coffee breaks and lunch. They have dedicated Western, Malay, Chinese, Pastry and Cold kitchens with a 51-strong culinary brigade. The Special Dietary Banqueting team underwent yet further training to ensure it was equipped to meet even wider

dietary requests. Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La collaborated to cater for the Welcome Gala Dinner and Farewell Party at the Centre.

“To accommodate the delegates in terms of meetings facilities, the Centre added a new marquee structure, Hall 6, with a seating capacity of 2,000. It became one of 10 halls which formed the Concept Village. The support from the Centre was a big part in making WGC2012 a true success.”

WGC At A GLAnCe

number of conference delegates

5,299number of

participating countries

90number of visitors

13,803number of companies in

the exhibition

208(from 43 countries)

total exhibition area

11,400sqmnumber of

Malaysian-based companies present

in exhibition

61

ConferenCe proGrAMMe

Keynote addresses

14Luncheon addresses

4Strategic panels

10technical sessions

47posters in one

interactive showcase

123number of

abstract received

712(record number for IGU)

number of papers approved for presentation

324 (from 47 countries)

In nUMBerS

World Gas Conference 2012

April 2013 | amimagazine.eu | MALAYSIA IX

Lung health experts convene in Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaHow this successful event attracted international delegates and speakers and left its mark on the host country

Event: 43rd Union World Conference on Lung HealthVenue: Kuala Lumpur Convention CentreDate: 13 – 17 November 2012Organiser: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

The prestigious 43rd Union World Conference on Lung Health, the largest global annual meeting focusing on the subject, attracted more than 2,600 delegates from 122 countries.

With the theme ‘Driving sustainability through mutual responsibility’, the five-day event gathered speakers from 65 countries leading discussions on topics ranging from tuberculosis, child lung health, TB and diabetes, tobacco control, operational research and how to improve health programmes, policies and increase civil society participation and awareness. The scientific programmes included 150 postgraduate courses and workshops, symposia, plenary sessions, abstract-driven and poster-related sessions, meet-the-experts and late-breaker sessions.

Two highlights of the conference in Malaysia included the ‘Run for your Lungs’ activity and the launch of The Union Centennial Campaign for Research and Education. ‘Run for your Lungs’ was organised by the Union and Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB) as an awareness building programme stressing the importance of lung health. The Union Centennial Campaign for Research and Education was launched to raise unrestricted funds for its research and education programmes between now and 2020, which marks the Union’s 100th year.

Dr Nils E Billo, Executive Director of the Union, said: “Malaysia provides a compelling setting for the Conference that brings together views from around the world to call for action against lung disease. We

truly consider this an excellent turnout. These are difficult times economically for many public health organisations and advocates.”

He added: “We were very pleased with all the collaboration and support we gained from local sponsors and partners especially MyCEB, who offered not only financial support but also excellent advice on a variety of local matters. Our genuine appreciation also goes out to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – a beautiful venue with a very professional team, and of course our colleagues from MAPTB.”

Malaysia was chosen as the host country due to its status as a fast growing democratic and liberal progressive country. Malaysia is also noted for its ongoing efforts to improve the health of its general population and has always been very supportive of new medical research.

CEO of MyCEB, Zulkefli Hj Sharif, said: “MyCEB is very supportive of this Conference. Other than its obvious economic benefits, the Conference will facilitate the opportunity for professional development, knowledge exchange and best practices in the local and regional health sectors, particularly in respiratory health. This will impact positively on Malaysia as a model developing country.”

The successful ‘Run for your lungs’ activity took place in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park

Prof Guy Marks from Australia

‘Run for your Lungs’

Opening Ceremony

Case sTUDy

X MALAYSIA | amimagazine.eu | April 2013

The World Congress of Chinese Medicine in KuchingThe BCCK proved the perfect venue for this annual international congress that draws practitioners from around the world

Every year the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies organises a worldwide convention to provide a platform for Chinese Medicine specialists to publish their clinical studies, present their findings and the latest developments in their areas. The WFCMS has more than 20 member societies in 50 countries.

The ninth congress was held over three days last November in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. With the thousands of herbs flourishing in Borneo’s rainforests, the island is known as the ‘Green lung’ of the world and was a good fit for this convention in particular.

Kuching City is situated in the northern part of Borneo island and although it is a modern city, it is surrounded by tropical rainforest and known as the Garden City. It offers world-class convention facilities in the BCCK (Borneo Convention Centre Kuching) as well as excellent hotels. The people are renowned for their friendly and courteous manner, which enables different religions to practice together and a multi-racial population to live harmoniously.

The BCCK is a very special place. Created amid the tranquillity of the rainforest, it has been designed to allow delegates to focus without distractions. It prides itself on its innovation and ability to think creatively

about events and proved the ideal home for this convention. With plenty of space to accommodate the 1,000 delegates at this event, by using all four modern halls at the Centre, it is possible to seat 4,000 delegates.

Accommodation was made available to delegates at the five-star Pullman Hotel, where the gala dinner was also held, the Grand Margherita Hotel, the Riverside Majestic Hotel, Hilton Kuching, Abell Hotel, Lime Tree Hotel and De Palma Waterfront Kuching, all of which are a short walk from each other.

Major new properties in Kuching include 4 Points by Sheraton Kuching, Tune Hotel, 360 Hotel, Lime Tree Hotel and the Batik Boutique Hotel.

Said Huang Jian Yin, vice secretary general and associate research professor, WFCMS, “The destination Kuching offers an array of purpose-built and modern infrastructure for meetings including the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and various hotels which meet our requirements. Kuching is easily accessible from neighbouring airports – Kuala Lumpur is merely an hour and a half flight away and there is a flight nearly every hour. The tropical rainforest offers unique pre and post-conference tour options and field trips for delegates.”

For further information: www.bcck.com.my

Case sTUDy

April 2013 | amimagazine.eu | MALAYSIA XI

TheMe eVeNTs aND pRe aND pOsT-TOURs

experience Malaysiaenriching experiencesIf your association is committed to CSR activities as part of its events, then Malaysia Business Tourism Let’s Meet & Green could provide the ideal answer. An initiative by MyCEB, it helps organisations that want to offset their carbon footprint by planting trees. There are many other CSR initiatives in Malaysia which can be included as part of a convention tour or recommended to delegates who are staying on. Some examples include: j Great Ape Encounter – spend a day with the caretakers of the Orang Utan and learn how they protect this rare ape, only found in the forests of Borneo j Participate in elephant conservation activities in Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation

With its rich history and heritage, modern cities, idyllic island resorts and mystic ancient rainforests, Malaysia has a stunning array of unique experiences for pre and post-tours as well as exciting add-ons to the convention programme

Gayana Eco Resort, Sabah

Experience Malaysia’s natural beauty

Centre, a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur j Coral enrichment and reef cleaning programmes are available in the coastal areas of Sabah, Langkawi and Pahangj Do your bit to save the turtles by aiding the turtle hatchery programmes. Four of the world’s seven marine turtles live in Malaysian waters and all are faced with the threat of extinction

theme eventsMalaysia’s 600-year-old, multi-ethnic history and culture leaves plenty of scope for event organisers to arrange wonderful themed gala dinners, lunches and events. Many can be arranged outdoors with a spectacular and unique backdrop, contact MyCEB for more details.

From interactive cooking sessions, dragon boat racing and trishaw rides around the UNESCO world heritage sites of Penang and Malacca, there is plenty on offer. Join in a celebration of a Kenduri feast in an authentic Malay village setting accompanied by the sounds of traditional hand drums and the tantalising smell of local dishes.

Chinese cultural traditions are best experienced in Chinatown amid distinctive architecture and magnificent temples. Partake in Chinese arts and culture activities in ornate Chinese clan houses featuring intricate calligraphy, tea making sessions and the grandeur of Chinese opera. Many of these activities can be laid on within your convention centre as well if delegates don’t have much time but are keen to try their hand at something new.

Or why not absorb the energy and excitement of Malaysia’s Indian culture and traditions at the majestic Batu Caves or the

bustling streets of Little India in Brickfields. Take in the exotic aromas, bright saris, kaleidoscopic flower garlands and multi-hued spices while being entertained by graceful traditional dancers, singers and musicians.

Or experience the traditions that live on in many of the tribal communities at the Sarawak Cultural Village and Mari Mari Cultural Village in Borneo. Explore a typical village, admire the ornate tribal tattoos, drink the local ‘jungle juice’ known as ‘Tuak’ and participate in the native dancing and singing activities.

The large convention centres are used to incorporating local culture into a conference programme so do ask for further details.

Looking for a unique venue? Whether it is an evening looking out on the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in KL, a dinner in the rainforest with the sounds of nature or an opulent occasion with sumptuous food and classic entertainment in a grand colonial mansion, there are many fabulous gala dinner venues to choose from. j Dating back to 1888, Central Market is one of Malaysia’s most prominent historical facades. The epicentre of Malaysian culture, arts and handicrafts, it is ideal for eventsj The Thean Hou temple, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia, is not only a place of worship but also offers special halls for meetings and events j For lovers of nostalgia, hitch a ride back in time on the North Borneo Railway, Sabah. Built in 1896, enjoy a ‘Tiffin Lunch’ on one of the beautifully maintained, steam-powered locomotives.

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