A delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment (KePKAS) and the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) is attending the 63rd International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to build connections in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, who led the delegation, is looking forward to engaging with professionals and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange insights, and shape the future of the business events (BE) industry in Sabah.
The global event is organised by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
“This is where the global community of business leaders and organisers of business meetings gather to exchange experiences and provide the way forward for ICCA with vision and purpose.
“I am here with my team to network and build connections for the growth and development of the BE industry in Sabah.
“We are glad to be part of this global congregation,” she said, adding that it was a great learning opportunity and an eye-opening experience for the Sabah delegation.
The Minister is accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Josie Lai, the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter, Chairperson Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki, and SCB, Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman.
Some 1,563 delegates from 78 countries are attending ICCA’s flagship event, themed “Tomorrow Starts Today”, at the Adnec Centre, Abu Dhabi.
At the opening ceremony, Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), welcomed the delegates to experience Abu Dhabi.
Liew and her delegation availed themselves of the opportunity to promote and market the 2nd International Business Events Forum in Sabah, scheduled to be held in February 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
It is being jointly organised by the MACEOS Sabah Chapter and SICC.
“Of the 800 delegates, we are targeting 40 per cent international participants,” Liew said.
The Minister said she was privileged to meet United Nations (UN) Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
“I understand this is the first time UN Tourism has participated in the ICCA Congress,” said Liew.
Liew was introduced to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Saudi Conference and Exhibition General Authority (SCEGA), Fahad Abdulmohsen Al Rasheed, ICCA President Marta Gomes, and ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.
She exchanged notes on tourism with the Minister of Tourism, Panama, Gloria de Leon, among others.
Liew added that this was also an opportunity to introduce the newly-established SBC.
The ICCA Congress concludes on October 23.
