“Through MMJA, we hope to acknowledge the tireless efforts and significant contribution of these journalists,” Chairman of SCB, Dato’ Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah
Kuala Lumpur, 4 May 2011: The prestigious Malaysian MICE Journalism Awards (MMJA) 2011 which will be held for the first time this year will recognize excellence in business events journalism.
MMJA is the initiative of the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) and is jointly supported by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) and Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
MICE, an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, has brought in RM11 billion in visitor spend in 2010 and has been recently identified as one of the key Entry Point Projects (EPPs) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
“The journalists, writers, cameraman and photographers have been instrumental in spurring the growth of MICE industry in Malaysia. Through MMJA, we hope to acknowledge their tireless efforts and significant contribution,” said Chairman of SCB Dato’ Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah after the launch of the awards today by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Datuk Dr. James Dawos Mamit.
He added that another rationale behind MMJA is to bridge the knowledge gap between the MICE industry and the public.
“Misconceptions and lack of understanding about an industry that is worth billions of ringgit is also the catalyst for MMJA. We hope that through MMJA, more in-depth reports on the industry will be produced thus creating a better understanding of the value of the MICE industry to the Malaysian community.”
Entries are open to all full-time print, online and broadcast journalists. Applicants will be vying for top prizes in three categories this year: Best Print Feature Category, Best Broadcast Special Report and Special Category – MICE industry in Sarawak.
To qualify, reports must be published or aired between 1 January 2011 and 8 August 2011.
Malaysian Press Institute Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chamil Wariya said the winners would be selected based on two key criteria.
“Our primary focus is to identify in-depth and thought-provoking reports on MICE. Additionally the reports should also help create awareness and better understanding about this industry.”
Chamil added that a panel judges comprising of senior editors from various media agencies will select the winners that fulfil these criteria.
Winners of each category will receive an all paid convention package worth RM10,000 which can be used to attend any journalism conference of their choice, plus RM 2,000 in cash.
Closing date for entries is on 15 August 2011. Winners will be announced in September 2011. To obtain contest forms and to see samples of entries, interested applicants are advised to visit the official website of MMJA at www.mmjaward.com.
