Malaysia’s presence on the global business events stage continues to grow, as reflected in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 Country and City Rankings. Kuala Lumpur made an impressive leap of six spots to secure the 26th position among global cities, while Malaysia overall rose two places to 31st in the global country rankings. Within the Asia Pacific region, the country maintained a strong position, ranking 9th and remaining a top contender in the regional business events landscape.

This momentum is largely driven by strategic collaboration and the growing appeal of Malaysia as a business events destination. Kuala Lumpur alone hosted 78 international association meetings in 2024, many of which took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre), a premier venue that continues to attract high-calibre events. Nationally, Malaysia welcomed 129 international meetings, reinforcing its competitiveness on the world stage.

According to John Burke, General Manager of the Centre, the upward trend reflects Malaysia’s compelling value proposition for international organisers. Excellent air connectivity via KLIA—with access to 79 airlines and visa-free entry for 175 countries—positions the country as an accessible hub. This is further enhanced by a mature, globally aligned supply chain, widespread English proficiency, a favourable exchange rate, and rich cultural and natural assets.

The Centre also works closely with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, to actively promote the country on the global circuit. This includes participation in major international trade shows such as AIME 2025 in Melbourne, IMEX in Frankfurt, and upcoming events like The Meetings Show in London and IBTM in Barcelona.

Sustainability remains a core focus, especially as environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards become more prominent in the global industry. The Centre is taking bold steps to lead by example. In 2024, it achieved 100% circularity in food waste through composting and adopted green electricity through the Green Electricity Tariff (GET). These efforts align with its commitment to the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative, which includes a target of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25%. The Centre is also progressing toward ISO 20121 certification for Sustainable Event Management.

Recognising that the evolving business landscape demands adaptability, the Centre has also invested in upgrades to better serve modern delegate needs. These include newly refurbished hybrid-ready meeting spaces, advanced audio-visual systems, and a shared workspace concept that supports productivity between sessions.

Strategically located in the vibrant KLCC precinct beneath the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the Centre offers 34,000 sqm of flexible, purpose-built event space. Its dedication to international best practices is evident in its robust portfolio of ISO certifications, including ISO 22000 for food safety, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 37001 for anti-bribery, and ISO 41001 for facility management.

With business events forecasted to contribute over RM42 billion to Malaysia’s economy by 2030, venues like the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre are playing a pivotal role in delivering value and impact. The Centre remains committed to driving sustainable growth and cementing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the business events sector.