New ambassadors on board to boost business events in M’sia
KUCHING: Three new conference ambassadors have been inducted under the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s ( MyCEB) Kesatria Malaysia Programme during the 7th Kesatria Gala Dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
Better known as Kesatria, these conference ambassadors play a vital role in continuously spreading the word of Malaysia’s positioning as Asia’s business events hub.
Organised annual ly by MyCEB, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia ( MOTAC), the celebratory occasion was graced by its new Chief Patron, Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Minister of MOTAC, for the first time.
This year, the three industry champions that will be joining the ranks include Prof Dr Goh Bak Leong, past president of Malaysian Society of Nephrology; Assoc Prof Dr Norhayati Abdullah, vice president of Malaysian Water
As a growing segment of tourism, the business events industry is constantly spreading its wings and it is the responsibility of MyCEB to continue increasing the pool of champions. Datuk Zulkefli Sharif, chief executive officer of MyCEB
Association; and Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin, treasurer of Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine.
The event was also attended by 19 Kesatrias, representatives from local association, various business events drivers and members of the media.
“As a growing segment of tourism, the business events industry is constantly spreading its wings and it is the responsibility of MyCEB to continue increasing the pool of champions,” said Datuk Zulkefli Sharif, chief executive officer of MyCEB.
“One of the most effective voices for the industry is our Kesatria. To date, Kesatria has helped bring in 44 international conventions, raking in at least RM813 million for the country.”
Present at the event to officially appoint these Kesatria, Mohamadd in expressed his enthusiasm for the incoming-Kesatria - conference ambassadors and thanked the current contributors.
In communicating MOTAC’s aspirations, Datuk Mohamaddin said, “MOTAC is working towards the target of 30 million visitors for Malaysia by 2020, which is estimated to generate RM100 billion in tourism expenditure. While the year is only a month away to its ending, we continue to pledge our efforts to ensure that Malaysia regains its status as one of the sought- after tourism destinations in the world again.”
MyCEB’s pool of Kesatria has been growing from strength-to-strength since the programme’s inception in 2012. Designed to identify and inspire local associations to bid for and stage international conventions in Malaysia as an accomplished host, Kesatria consists of distinguished thought leaders from key industry sectors commissioned to advocate the benef its of hosting and inaugurating international conventions to their industry peers and colleagues.
“It is an honour for me to join the Kesatria. Doing what I do best in my field, this opportunity will enrich my position as a key opinion leader.
“In one’s journey to success, there must be spin- offs that activate life-long learning, this is one platform to do so and I will certainly put my best game on to serve Malaysia,” said Prof. Dr. Goh Bak Leong, past president of Malaysian Society of Nephrology.