Revving up Malaysia’s MICE business

The Sepang International Circuit and Tourism Malaysia jointly promoted Formula One, Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix as an ideal MICE venue in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Both events in these cities saw a turnout of over 100 people attending and engaging themselves in the pit stop challenge. The event was based around the Sahara Force India car. Senior corporate executives tried their hand at the pit-stop challenge. Every team had to change all four tyres of the car and make it race ready in the least possible time. In Mumbai, the winning team clocked 45.6 seconds and in Bengaluru, the winning team comprised four women who clocked 39 seconds to change the tyres.

Manoharan Periasamy, Director, Tourism Malaysia, said, " The Formula One Petronas Grand Prix Race is one of the key events under ‘ Visit Malaysia Year 2014’, scheduled from March 28 - 30. The Visit Malaysia Year 2014 has a wide array of festivities and experiences for travellers. There is also the GP Mega Sale Carnival and other promotions in the country."

Dato Razlan Razali, CEO, Sepang International Circuit, presented the circuit as a destination not only for motor sports, but also for world- class international events, from business to commercial programmes. He informed, “We will promote this circuit as a stand- alone venue for events like weddings, family days, conferences, annual dinners and team-building programmes.”

He also highlighted the post-event parties during the race that will add on to the visitor experience.At the event, a special Formula 1 Package ‘Alive @ Sepang’ was launched with travel partner Cox & Kings. The highlights of the package include garage tours, pit lane walks and the possibility to meet and greet Sahara Force India drivers.