For international conventions, Malaysia is one of the most affordable destinations in the world, with a favourable exchange rate for most countries and exceptional meeting venues, facilities and services, that compete, without compromise, yet often at prices 40% less than their regional neighbours.

Malaysia Airlines, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre are consistently winning the highest of global awards for their excellent level of service and facilities, and having enjoyed fantastic success from the international conventions industry in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s latest developments on the island of Borneo are set to open up two further destinations, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, that will compete both with the capital, and globally for international convention business.

Malaysia ticks all of the boxes for convention organisers. It has visa-free access for most nationalities, is easily accessible with excellent direct international flight access, as well as many good budget airlines serving the country and the region, and English is widely spoken. Not surprisingly then, Malaysia offers an exceptionally well-rounded value proposition for international congresses and conventions for up to 6,000 delegates.

Investment in this sector for the future is strong, with the development of new centres and the supporting infrastructure, the expansion of regional airports and an aggressive drive to increase international flight access to them, and a new convention bureau, MYCEB, dedicated to growing Malaysia’s existing potential for international conventions.

Tropical, exotic and adventurous, Malaysia’s high visitor appeal is a huge draw card for attracting high audience attendance to ensure a successful convention. Many diverse destinations around Malaysia make for wonderful pre and post extensions, within one country, whilst on the doorstep is a whole inspiring region waiting to be explored. Plus, an entire regional audience who can attend a convention in Malaysia easily and affordably. 

Where in Malaysia?

Kuala Lumpur and Borneo are currently the main congress destinations in Malaysia, with the country’s capital, KL being most strategically located for international the crossroads of the world which makes access effortless.

KL’s shining diamond is the state of the art Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) which can accommodate a maximum of 6,000 people with a total of 20,059 sq metres. It is ideally situated in the centre of Malaysia’s thriving capital, with over 1,500 four and five-star hotel rooms on site and a further 11,000 rooms within a 10 minute journey.

Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) opened at the end of 2009 to rave reviews as the first purpose built convention centre on the island of Borneo. Kuching is an emerging destination for international events with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and its new convention centre features world-class facilities with 5 star service. It is a combination of spacious design, flexible and elegant conference halls with rainforest themed architecture that allows for environmentally friendly practices within the centre. The centre is located just 5 km from the city and is equipped with the latest technology. It accommodates a maximum of 5,000 people with a total of 2,793 sq metres all on one level, and is located very close to the Kuching Interntional Airport to ease travelling time for delegates. By December 2010 the convention centre hotel should be completed with 477 rooms and suites.

In 2012, Malaysia’s options for large international conventions are expanding and association meeting organisers can look forward to the arrival of Sabah International Convention Complex, which opens up so many opportunities for this exciting and adventurous destination for MICE groups. Complete with an integrated five-star meeting hotel, the SICC wil be able to accommodate 6,600 pax theatre style and 400 exhibition booths at one time.

Kota Kinabalu is served by direct flights from 15 international destinations with 107 weekly flights arrivals, making it the second busiest airport in Malaysia. Flight arrivals are increasing year on year as the government works hard to increase Sabah’s appeal and accessibility as a key MICE destination, and the key hubs for MICE groups are via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong.