Sarawak trail-blazing at ICCA Congress
KUCHING: Four years of concerted effort by Malaysian organisations paid off handsomely for the nation’s international brand in Business Events ( BE) at the 55th International Congress and Convention Association ( ICCA) Congress with Sarawak in the lead.
The four-day congress drew 835 delegates from 61 countries around the world to Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
ICCA chief executive officer Martin Sirk said in a press release yesterday that the achievement - a huge step forward for Sarawak - was an important lesson for the visiting delegates.
“Hosting the ICCA Congress is a challenging undertaking for any destination, with so many of the world’s meetings experts observing every element of the organising process in minute detail. Malaysia’s meetings professionals, particularly the inner team of Sarawak ICCA members, were more than equal to this task, earning the respect of their peers for creativity, professionalism and
Hosting the ICCA Congress is a challenging undertaking for any destination, with so many of the world’s meetings experts observing every element of the organising process in minute detail.
hard work,” he said.
The confidence and capacity of the hosts expanded over the three years of preparation and partnership, he observed.
Sarawak shared the story on how they raised the regional and global profile of a previously less known destination.
“This commitment to educate and encourage other second-tier ICCA members was one of the key factors in Sarawak winning the original bid, and featured strongly in our education programme,” he said.
The Congress’ unique theme of ‘Gathering of the ICCA Global Tribes’ and Sarawak’s trademark friendliness and hospitality were paired with flawless execution of networking events and high visibility, with Kuching living up to its reputation as Malaysia’s ‘City of Unity’ helping ICCA’s delegates from over 60 countries to feel at home. ICCA aims to break down barriers and facilitate business and knowledge exchanges and cultural understanding among delegates.
“The atmosphere and mood created by our local hosts are critical in achieving a relaxed open environment. This year this objective was particularly important since we were welcoming international association executives as host delegates for the first time. The local hosts handled this aspect of the congress in a perfect way,” he said.
Sarawak Convention Bureau managingdirectorandco-chairman of the Local Host Committee Mike Cannon said Business Events were major catalysts of transformation impacting professions and industries.
“The execution of the 55th ICCA Congress was the result of synergy, support from industry partners, government agencies and the destination matched with extraordinary passion, leadership and commitment,” he said.
“When a congress of this prominence is successfully held in a second tier destination like Sarawak, it indicates that destinations have overwhelming potential for international Business Events. We hope this will inspire other second tier destinations, especially in the Asean region, to rise with us and trail blaze the Business Events revolution,” he said.
The journey of the ICCA Global Tribes will advance to the 56th ICCA Congress in Prague where Brooke, the official mascot of the 55th ICCA Congress, will make a special appearance.
Martin Sirk, ICCA chief executive officer