FRANKFURT, 21 May 2013: Ooo Ha! A meeting of over 700 delegates from the business events industry will take place in Kuching, Sarawak in 2016. An annual congress organised by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the event sees business events industry professionals convening for 5 days of education sessions, regional chapter meetings and business exchange opportunities.
Promising a week of extraordinary excitement, education and cultural experiences, this event is expected to bring over two million Malaysian Ringgit (Euro 556, 000.00) to the local tourism and hospitality sector and many more opportunities for Sarawak’s growth in business events opportunities.
“As the bid local host on behalf of the Sarawak State Government’s entity, this win would not have been possible without the strong support from our industry partners who have worked tirelessly to produce a stellar bid,” said Mr. Paul D’Arcy, Chief Executive Officer of Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The winning bid was clinched as a result of the team effort by Malaysian ICCA members: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB), KL Convention Centre and UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd.
“I would like to congratulate the Malaysian team on their success and for the hard work that was put into creating the bid. By hosting the 55th ICCA General Assembly, we hope that the local business events industry will gain an enriching experience and learn from the best in business events the world over,” said Mr. Zulkefli Hj. Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB.
The bid presentation took place a day before the ICCA Plenary Session before the start of IMEX Frankfurt 2013. Incorporating a web-based bid and our very own Tribal Wisdom Speaker, the bid was presented by speakers: Dato’ Sri Dr. Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah (Sarawak State Government Representative / Chairman of SCB), Mr. Dylan Redas Noel (Director of Research / Tribal Wisdom Speaker of SCB), Mdm. Gracie Veronica Geikie (Managing Director, UCSI Communications Sdn. Bhd.), with co-presenters: Mr. Zulkefli Sharif (CEO of MyCEB), Mr. Paul D’Arcy (CEO of BCCK), Ms. Angeline Iris Lue (Director of Sales and Marketing of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre), during an audience with ICCA Board of Directors.
“I am proud of the State and the bid team’s success in its preparation. We look forward to welcoming the 55th ICCA General Assembly delegates to Kuching, Sarawak and to showcase our unique destination,” said Dato’ Sri Dr. Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah, Chairman of SCB.
He adds, “I would like to thank MyCEB, Sarawak Tourism Board, and Sabah Tourism Board for their unlimited support in making us proud as 1Malaysia, showing unity and tolerance in supporting a neighbouring State. Moreover, with Sarawak the same age as ICCA, 50 years is a long way to go, but this will be a great start to develop the local industry and enhance our global network.”
