KL eyes RM35bil global meetings prize

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's position as a global meetings hub has been enhanced by international conferences that bring together experts, policymakers, investors and younger audiences across sectors from healthcare and engineering to energy and technology.

The latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch Country and City Rankings 2025 placed Malaysia 32nd among 142 ICCA-qualified destinations.

Kuala Lumpur was ranked 29th globally with 73 qualifying meetings.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre deputy general manager Robert Hatton-Jones said the ranking underscored Malaysia's ability to host international association meetings that generate value beyond the events themselves.

"Every congress brings together global experts, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and economic growth," he said in a statement.

The business events sector generated an estimated RM4.07 billion in economic impact from 393 events in 2025, according to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

Momentum has continued this year.

MyCEB spearheaded 194 business events in the first half of 2026, attracting more than 341,000 delegates and generating an estimated RM1.81 billion in economic impact.

As of June 30, it had secured 416 international business events for 2026-2030, expected to generate RM8.27 billion and contribute to a cumulative RM34.97 billion economic impact by 2030.

KL Convention Centre alone hosted 756,721 delegates in 2025, including 59,013 international visitors, generating an estimated RM1.5 billion in economic impact.

The spillover benefits hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local suppliers, while creating opportunities for Malaysian companies to connect with international partners and investors.

Events such as Health Summit Asia 2026 and Energy Transition Conference 2026 also highlight Kuala Lumpur's growing role as a platform for cross-sector collaboration.

The focus is extending to younger audiences, with energy literacy programmes giving students opportunities to engage with industry issues.

Sustainability is also becoming a bigger consideration, with the convention centre pursuing a 2050 climate roadmap covering emissions, water and waste.