Kuching, Sarawak, 11th January 2016: Malaysia stepped-up in global recognition through a series of 52 internationally-acclaimed conferences, which were hosted in the Land of the Hornbills. The conferences witnessed attendance of 15,830 delegates, amounting to direct delegate expenditure (DDE) of RM31.336 million. They also comprise a majority of the 59 conferences won by Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB).
Chairman of SCB, Dato’ Sri Dr Leo Michael Toyad
Chairman of SCB, Dato’ Sri Dr Leo Michael Toyad said, “The bureau has been consistent and fervent in pursuing and winning conferences that do not merely reap monetary gains, but international acclaim and benefits to the community as well as the nation. We closed 2015’s chapter and enter 2016 with much anticipation, knowing that the team will strive to elevate the state’s business events industry in the international arena through quality events.”
In review of 2015, Managing Director of SCB, Mike Cannon said, “The wealth of knowledge gained from the international conferences is tremendous – it can be converted into skillsets that propel the nation through knowledge sharing, capacity building and technological advances.”
As a leader in the profession, SCB advances with the ever-evolving playing field that has expanded over the years and continues to compete on an international level. Progressing in an upward trajectory with its partners, SCB caters to the needs of the community, growing together to overcome the challenges introduced by increased competition and outside factors.
On the subject of up-skilling talents, Cannon commented: “Conferences such as the XXIII Asian and Oceania Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Conference for Process Integration, Modelling & Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction 2015, and International Conference of the International Vocational Education and Training Association offer the latest in trends, research and education. We can harness the essence from other fields to empower the people to strive forward in this fast-developing state.”
Mr. Chew Chang Guan, General Manager – Government & Industry Relations
Cannon concludes “looking ahead, the bureau has created a new division for 2016; Government & Industry Relations headed up by SCB stalwart Chew Chang Guan. The division has been established to drive stronger connections with Government & Industry while SCB continues to attract visitors and businesses as they promote keynote events such as the International Congress and Convention Association 2016 (ICCA 2016 hosted by BCCK), the International Conference of Maternal & Child Health and the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ophthalmology Congress for 2016 – culminating the rare opportunity where adventure meets business.”
Mr Martin Sirk, CEO of ICCA and Mr Noor Ahmad Hamid, Regional Director – Asia Pacific of ICCA, posing with Brooke the Orangutan ICCA2016 mascot to promote ICCA 2016
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