KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s business events sector, encompassing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), is poised to generate RM76.8 billion in revenue and attract more than 25 million international visitors in conjunction with the country’s ASEAN chairmanship this year and Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) in 2026.
World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) group managing director, Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim, said these landmark events are expected to significantly boost Malaysia’s economy by enhancing the business events ecosystem and driving people-focused economic growth.
“WTCKL and other convention centres nationwide play a pivotal role in spurring economic development through three key pillars: strengthening the business ecosystem, creating job opportunities, and supporting the community economy,” he said during Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara Aspirasi Ekonomi programme titled “Convention Industry Driving Strategic Economy.”
He explained that events hosted at venues like WTCKL stimulate various sectors of the community economy, such as e-hailing services, public transportation, hotel bookings, food and beverage, and domestic tourism activities.
Dr Irmohizam highlighted that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the MICE industry had contributed RM86.14 billion to Malaysia’s GDP in 2019, with over 26 million international tourist arrivals.
Touching on current challenges, he noted that global economic shifts, including ongoing trade tensions, require strategic responses. “Malaysia must position the business events industry as a key economic driver and establish itself as a regional hub for international events,” he said.
He added that this vision goes beyond exhibitions and conventions, encompassing international concerts, conferences, and high-profile events that attract global delegates, thought leaders, investors, and industry professionals to Malaysia.
“The business events industry enhances Malaysia’s international image and boosts investor confidence in the country’s robust event-hosting infrastructure,” he explained.
Citing an example, Dr Irmohizam mentioned the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at WTCKL in late May, which will gather publishers, authors, and delegates from around the world. “This event alone will generate demand for hotels, services, transportation, F&B, and tourism, creating a vibrant economic ripple effect,” he said.
