Mitec chief executive officer Mala Dorasamy
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) has won the coveted world’s leading meetings and conference centre 2023 title at the World Travel Awards (WTA) grand final gala ceremony 2023 in Dubai recently.
Mitec is the largest trade and exhibition centre in Malaysia, with 52,000 sqm of exhibition and convention space.
Since its reopening post Covid-19, this year was the busiest as it went from being Malaysia’s first mega vaccination centre in 2021 to a business and lifestyle event venue.
Chief executive officer Mala Dorasamy said the award was significant as the company has continuously strived to embody a purposeful and sustainable approach in managing the space.
“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of every staff member of the Mitec team, members of the board, clients, service providers and stakeholders,” she said in a statement.
According to Mala, Mitec has generated employment opportunities across various industries as the hosting of events has created jobs in hospitality, logistics, event management and others.
“As we shape the economic and professional landscape of business events in Malaysia by winning and hosting diverse world-class mega events, there will be a surge in demand for skilled professionals, creating more jobs that span event management, hospitality, logistics, and supporting sectors,” she noted.
“Just this year, Mitec generated 550,000 casual work hours and RM7.2mil in wages towards the gig economic sector, benefiting mostly university students by not only allowing them to earn but also gain meaningful hands-on professional experience in the events industry,” she added.
Mitec chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat said the exhibition and convention space has continued to play a critical role in the country’s economic growth, all while fostering innovation.
“The centre significantly contributes to the economy of the country by hosting large-scale trade exhibitions that attract both domestic and international participants.
“The exchange of goods, services, and ideas within this dynamic environment stimulates economic activity, fostering collaboration and business development. Since its opening in 2017, Mitec has contributed an estimated RM1bil in economic impact to Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, World Travel Awards founder Graham E. Cooke congratulated Mitec for winning the award, adding it has set up a benchmark for global spaces alike.
“This remarkable achievement reflects how Mitec is setting the global benchmark in the sector, as well as the strength of the Malaysian business events industry.
“The commitment of the entire Mitec team serves as an inspiration to us all,” he added.
