Malaysia leaped a notable three places to the 28th position in the latest ICCA, International Congress and Convention Association, country rankings. The number of meetings the country hosted grew by 24 percent, from 96 meetings (2009) to 119 meetings (2010). Malaysia retained its position as one of the top 10 meeting destinations in the Asia Pacific.

Malaysia’s ranking was assisted by an additional seven international meetings held in Kuala Lumpur, from 72 (2009) to 79 (2010). The largest meeting held during 2010 was the 18th World Congress of Accountants, which attracted a record attendance of over 6,000 delegates.

In 2010, Malaysia welcomed 1.3 million international business event visitors, contributing an estimated $6 billion in economic impact. Key developments in the pipeline include the expansion of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by the end of 2013, the Penang International Convention and Exhibition Center by 2014, and the proposed development of the MATRADE Centre by 2014.

In addition, new infrastructure will support the growing industry, which includes the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 2, an integrated urban mass rapid transit (MRT) system, and the construction of a series of pedestrian walkways throughout the capital city as part of the Greater Kuala Lumpur plan.

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), www.myceb.com.my