Malaysia: Where Business Meets the World
ES. Malaysia has emerged as a preferred destination for international events. What factors do you believe are driving this growth?
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim. Malaysia is very well known for its warm hospitality and world-class infrastructure, making it an increasingly attractive destination for international events. Its rise as a preferred Business Events hub can be attributed to several key factors such as strategic location, excellent venue services, strong infrastructure, government support, and cultural diversity. Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia serves as a natural gateway between the East and the West, offering excellent accessibility for global delegates. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is particularly well-connected through major international air routes, an efficient rail network, and a wide range of premium hotels and modern conference facilities, making it an ideal choice for organisers and attendees alike.
ES. India and Malaysia share strong business and cultural ties. What opportunities do you see for collaboration between Indian and Malaysian organisers or venues?
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim. India and Malaysia’s strong bilateral ties go way back in 1957 that is built on strong diplomatic, cultural, and trade relations. With India’s rapidly expanding economy and Malaysia’s robust Business Events infrastructure, there is also great potential for bilateral partnerships in co-hosting trade shows, conferences, and cultural exhibitions.
I believe that there are many potentials for collaboration including joint industry forums and business summits to sector-specific expos in areas like technology, pharmaceuticals, education, and tourism. Indian organizers can benefit from Malaysia’s strategic location to reach a broader ASEAN audience, while Malaysian venues and partners can tap into India’s vast and growing market of professionals and entrepreneurs. Beyond business, cultural exchange events and joint festivals could bring people together, boost tourism activities, and ultimately open new doors for business networking. Cross-promotion and co-marketing strategies between Indian and Malaysian event stakeholders could result in more vibrant, inclusive, and impactful events on both sides.
ES. WTCKL is part of the global World Trade Centers Association. How does this affiliation enhance your international partnerships and event strategy?
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim. The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a dynamic network with a global ecosystem of more than 300 highly connected and mutually supportive World Trade Centers of many businesses and organizations across nearly 100 countries worldwide. Being part of this network enhances World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur’s global reach, access and opportunities. World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur is able to build strategic partnerships with international venues and WTCA members around the world and indirectly put Malaysia’s name on the global stand in the Business Events industry. World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur is also a Premier Accredited Member of WTCA, which signifies WTCKL’s role as a premier business hub in the region, dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration among clients worldwide specifically in the Business & Member Services,
Commercial Real Estate & Services and Conference & Exhibitions Services. The brand recognition and trust associated with the WTCA label provide a competitive advantage in securing international events. Moreover, the sharing of best practices and opportunities exchanged among the World Trade Centers around the world allow World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur to continuously innovate its offerings and improve service standards.
ES. What role do you see venues like WTCKL playing in strengthening international trade, investment, and diplomatic relationships through events?
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim. With our iconic building serving as a testament to both modern architecture and rich history, many significant and meaningful events have taken place and have shaped the landscape of the Business Events industry in Malaysia and internationally. By hosting Business Events, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur acts as a neutral ground where local and international stakeholders can engage in dialogues, build relationships and showcase uniqueness as a catalyst to spark trade opportunities and diplomatic ties. Most events held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur welcome high-volume participants and attendees from across industries, states and countries. These events also attract decision-makers, investors, diplomats, and business leaders creating an ecosystem that can potentially lead to deal-making, network exchange and cross-border collaborations. Indirectly, this reinforces Malaysia’s position as a hub for global Business Events.
ES. What excites you most about the future of WTCKL and the evolving global exhibitions industry?
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim. I look forward to seeing the Business Events industry in Malaysia grow into a vital platform for global exchange, thought leadership, and sustainable economic impact and make World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur as the most preferred venue of choice for many international events both locally and internationally. As the global Business Events industry becomes more technology-driven, sustainable, and inclusive, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur is continuously improving our service quality, facility modernization, proactive online engagement, and adapting to technological trends that are essential to maintain the Business Event’s popularity in today’s competitive market. The future holds immense opportunities for World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur to act as a connector in linking industries, cultures, as well as private and government sectors through meaningful events. It is an exciting time where innovation meets tradition, and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur is at the heart of it, committed to building a more connected and collaborative world through Business Events.
