adminKUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s business events industry is projected to generate a cumulative economic impact of RM34.97 billion by 2030 through the implementation of various strategic initiatives that are being put in place, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said that as of June 30, 2026, the Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) had successfully attracted the participation of 416 business events that would take place between 2026 and 2030, with an estimated economic impact (EEI) of RM8.27 billion.
In the first six months of 2026, MyCEB organised 194 business events nationwide which successfully attracted over 341,000 delegates, generating EEI of RM1.81 billion.
“For the second half of 2026, MyCEB targets 493,519 delegates attending business events with EEI estimated to reach RM2.63 billion.
“This achievement reflects the continued confidence of international event organisers in Malaysia as a destination of choice for events,” he said when officiating the Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW) 2026 organised by MyCEB here today.
Commenting further, Tiong said business events have now become important platforms that not only encourage investment, but also drive innovation and open up more opportunities for local businesses and the community.
Since its establishment in 2009, MyCEB has successfully attracted participation in 3,575 business events, received more than 4.5 million delegates and generated an economic impact of RM26.7 billion to the country.
In this regard, he said Malaysia needs to continue to prioritise innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and talent development to ensure the country’s business events industry remains competitive at the global level.
“We need to ensure that every event organised in Malaysia is not only world-class, but also a meaningful platform for delegates so that they can experience the uniqueness of the culture and enjoy local cuisine before leaving the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said that following the geopolitical uncertainties occurring in West Asia, Malaysia is encouraging international programme organisers to hold their events in Malaysia.
“For example, hosting Formula 1 (F1) at the Sepang International Circuit is good for the country’s tourism sector because crews and visitors will usually arrive a week earlier and this will boost the tourism industry.
“We will also hold several events to attract tourists, especially those who will be watching the F1 event, including in Kuala Lumpur and Sepang,” he said.
Shaharuddin said among the programmes currently being planned is the organisation of concerts involving local and international artists and musicians which will be conducted by private parties.
MyCEB Chairman Dr Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu said the future of the business events industry depends on collaboration between the government, industry players and associations to build a stronger, more resilient and innovative ecosystem.
“Each stakeholder plays their own role, and when united with a common goal, the industry becomes stronger, more resilient and more innovative,” he said in his welcoming speech at the programme themed ‘Weaving Horizons: Shaping the Tapestry of Tomorrow’.
— BERNAMA
