Malaysia the most perfect MICE destination

With its well-developed infrastructural facilities, remarkable economic development, extensive MICE expertise, pleasant tropical climate and guest-friendly culture, Malaysia assures your team a comfortable, inspiring sojourn. A melting pot of cultures living in harmony, where law and order is upheld by citizens and government alike, this land promises guests a secure, peaceful time.

Malaysia is easy to reach; several flights are available between Indian metros and the state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport, as well as Malaysia’s other airports. A wide network of expressways and efficient transport makes commuting really easy. Logistics is highly streamlined; people, equipment and exhibition items can be moved around smoothly. Food, accommodation and transportation are competitively priced and often, you get more than what you bargained for.

Accommodation options span the entire gamut – from luxury suites in 5-star hotels to chalets hidden away in lush rainforests and everything in-between. Most places are surprisingly affordable, and offer every amenity a guest could ask for. As incentives for star employees or valued customers, a stay at Malaysia’s holiday retreats is recommended. You’ll find the best at Pangkor, Langkawi, Tioman and Redang; resorts at Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands, Borneo, and hundreds more.

Every year, mega events are held here – like the Malaysia International Furniture Fair, Foodex Asia, and the Medical Scientific Exhibition & Conference. There’s an extensive choice of MICE venues, all of which are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, experienced staff and professional services. There are large world-class convention centres, as well as a wide selection of premium hotels to host smaller events.

Malaysia offers a stunning variety of activities and experiences to make your leisure time extremely exciting. Go from boardrooms to beaches, from presentations to parties, from annual plans to adventure sports, and have an absolute ball throughout it all. There are endless ways to experience Malaysia’s rich heritage, vibrant cities, panoramic countryside, rainforests and beaches, exotic cuisine, glitzy malls and quaint markets. Adventurous types can enjoy parasailing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, jungle treks and more. Whichever city your event is held in, your Malaysian MICE event is sure to be memorable, and here are some of the most preferred destinations and their MICE venues.

Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre: Centrally located, this ‘city within a city’ is designed to global standards, and shares space with the Petronas Twin Towers. Favoured for exhibitions, conferences, meetings, seminars and events, it’s stylish, functional and flexible. It has two auditoriums, exhibition space, a ballroom, conference hall, banquet hall and 20 meeting rooms, equipped with the latest telecommunications, multimedia and hi-speed connectivity systems. Other popular places for corporate events are the Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel and Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur.

There’s unforgettable excitement to be enjoyed after working hours. Start with a walk on the Skybridge at the Petronas Twin Towers. Pick up designer wear, bags, cosmetics and more at Suria KLCC, one of Malaysia’s largest malls. Pavilion in Bukit Bintang is a massive retail haven with 450 outlets. Petaling Street (Chinatown) offers Chinese artifacts’, shoes and handbags. Visit Pasar Seni (Central Market) for genuine Malay batik, songket, pewter ware and wood carvings.

Indulge in some pampering at luxurious spas; a vast assortment of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Balinese and Thai treatments is available. Jalan Alor is a great street for delicious food at ridiculously low prices. Jalan Ceylon is full of trendy restaurants, while Changkat Bukit Bintang serves up international and Malaysian specialities. Kuala Lumpur has a vibrant nightlife – clubs, karaoke bars, discos, lounges, and the best entertainment can be found at Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara and the Hard Rock Café.

Penang – Penang International Sports Arena (PISA): The largest, most comprehensive multi-purpose indoor venue in Penang, PISA has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an air-conditioned arena that can hold 10,000 people. It can also host conventions, exhibitions and entertainment shows, and can comfortably accommodate up to 3,000 guests for a sit-down banquet or 140 standard exhibition booths.

Hotels here cater to any kind of budget. They offer impressive boardrooms, spacious auditoriums, state-of-the-art business centres, suites, VIP lounges, poolside areas, banquet halls, terraces and gardens. Some of the best places for your MICE outings are – 5-Star properties: Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Parkroyal Penang, Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Equatorial Hotel, Traders Hotel, Penang G-hotel. Others: Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Penang, Bayview Beach Resort, Bayview Hotel, Cititel Penang, Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang, Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Golden Sands Resort, Holiday Inn Resort, Hydro Hotel Penang, Jerejak Resort & Spa and Paradise Sandy Beach.

For leisure, you can visit Ferringhi Beach for watersports, ride the cable car to Penang Hill, take a trishaw through Georgetown and shop for exquisite handicrafts. Also known as the ‘Food Capital of Malaysia’, Penang was acknowledged for having the Best Street Food in Asia by TIME magazine.

Putrajaya – Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC): This complex is one of Malaysia’s largest convention centres, offering 135,000 sq. m. of exhibition space spread over 9 levels. At PICC, you have a wide choice of spaces – halls that can accommodate large numbers, VIP lounges, meeting rooms, restaurants, prayer rooms, business centres, as well as ample parking space. PICC has hosted several international events; including the Non Aligned Movement Meeting 2006, eAsia ICT 2007 and the Forbes Top 50 CEO 2007 Awards. It can accommodate 10,000 persons comfortably.

Leading hotels like the Marriott Putrajaya, Palm Garden Hotel IOI Resort, Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside and the Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel. are in the vicinity to lodge delegates. On Putrajaya’s vast man-made lake, you can enjoy a cocktail / tea cruise, lakeside dinner, party / karaoke cruise or private boat charter. Also worth visiting are the Botanical Park, the Putrajaya Lake Club, Putrajaya Wetlands Park, Taman Warisan Pertanian and Alamanda Shopping Centre.

Putra World Trade Centre :With its convenient location, modern facilities and hospitable approach, the Putra World Trade is ideal for conventions, exhibitions, trade shows, meetings, weddings and concerts. It has 35,000 sq. m. of exhibition space, and offers multi-purpose halls, meeting rooms and VIP suites. There is also a large outdoor area for tented exhibitions and the Legar Putra, a foyer area.

Genting International Convention Centre (GICC): Spread over 1,50,000 sq. ft., the GICC is Malaysia’s largest convention centre, comprising a Grand Ballroom and 18 meeting rooms with an aesthetically designed spacious foyer, a well-equipped, high-tech business centre and VIP / Media reception rooms.

The sprawling Genting Highlands Resort features six hotels (Genting Hotel, Highlands Hotel, Resort Hotel, First World Hotel, Theme Park Hotel and Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort) with over 10,000 guest rooms, 90 dining outlets, 80 stores, indoor and outdoor theme parks with more than 50 fun rides, international shows and concerts by renowned performers, gaming facilities and more. Ride the Genting Skyway – the longest cable car in Southeast Asia – for awesome panoramic views.

There will never be a dull moment for you and your team in Malaysia. You can host parties on steam locomotives, near waterfalls or even underwater – the venues are only limited by your imagination. Spectacular theme parties can be organised – Malacca nights, Pirates party, Colonial Nights, Jungle Fever, Beach Bashes and more.

If your offsite is timed right, you can enjoy some of the most exciting sports events – the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, the Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship, the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition and the Le Tour de Langkawi.

Meet & Experience: To showcase Malaysia as a top MICE venue, Tourism Malaysia initiated its Meet & Experience – Malaysia Truly Asia campaign. The best products are offered to event organisers, with special prices and deals. Strategic partnerships have been formed with government bodies and industry members to ensure events are organised seamlessly and MICE clients get the best incentives.