Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (Maceos) announced that is going to focus on sustainability to position Malaysia as key global business events destination.
Its president Francis Teo declared this at Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) and gala dinner yesterday (Jan 31), and revealed several strategic actions to support the sustainability agenda.
One of the step Teo said is supporting global initiative Net Zero Carbon Events, where he encouraged industry players to do the same in ensuring business events becomes the solution to greener future instead of the problem.
Also in line with its sustainability goals, last night, Maceos also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Yayasan Hijau Malaysia (Yayasan Hijau), an agency under the Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry to integrate sustainable practices into the industry.
Signatories to the MOU were Teo and Yayasan Hijau chief executive officer Dr Nurul Muiz Murad.
Teo said Maceos is pleased to engage with Yayasan Hijau Malaysia who is enthusiastic about supporting our sustainability journey.
“The partnership will see the implementation of a series of sustainability awareness and training programmes for Maceo members to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to foster sustainability within our industry.
“To drive the agenda forward, we will align all our association’s activities around sustainability, and we expect our members to consciously implement sustainability efforts in all their business activities,” he added.
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) chief executive officer Azman Tambi Chik, who graced the evening’s award and dinner, lauded Maceos for its proactive approach to supporting its members and nurturing a growth mentality.
“MyCEB is delighted to bolster Maceos on its path towards growth, development, and sustainability, along with the business events industry stakeholers,” he said.
Last night, Maceo also gave out 19 awards to industry professionals who put together not only innovative trade and consumer exhibitions, meetings, and conferences, but whose events scored points for the implementation of sustainable event solutions.
MBEA organising chair Kenneth Fong said the award serves as a platform to recognise and celebrate excellence within the business events sector.
“Sustainability and green initiatives were a key focus of the judging criteria this year, besides event novelty and concept, methodology and strategy, business generation, event innovation and creativity, and impact and effectiveness,” he added.
Entries for the awards opened on Oct 20, 2023, judged by a panel of 21 individuals. The awards were given based on standards developed for three categories: convention, exhibition centre and event space requirements; professional congress organiser requirements; and professional exhibition organiser requirements.
Teo added Maceos is also committed to enhancing the industry through industry awards recognition, standards development, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
He also shared two of Maceos’ upcoming signature events, the first one is an inaugural conference, BE in Sabah, from 29 February to 1 March
Jointly organised by the Maceos Sabah Chapter and Sabah International Convention Centre, the conference is to enhance the positioning of Sabah as a preferred destination for business events in Malaysia.
The second initiative is organising the Maceo’s flagship event, EventXpo, to be held from 14 to 16 January 2025, which will be a marketplace to connect businesses with the gig community and promote collaborations in the industry.
