From left: Liew, Zurab, HE Saood, Gloria, Marta and Senthil.
ABU DHABI: The 63rd International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) World Congress here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a global platform for professionals and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange insights and shape the future of the business events (BE) industry.
It is organised by the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew is leading a delegation from her Ministry (KePKAS) and the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) to attend this global event which started today.
“This is where the global community of business leaders and organisers of business meetings meet to exchange experiences and provide the Way Forward for ICCA with a vision and purpose.
“I am here with my team for networking and to build connections for the growth and development of the BE industry in Sabah.
“We are glad to be part of the world congregation,” she said, adding it was a great learning opportunity and an eye-opening experience for the Sabah delegation.
The Minister is accompanied by her Permanent Secretary Josie Lai, the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter Chairperson Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki, and SCB CEO Noredah Othman.
Some 1563 delegates from 78 countries are attending the ICCA’s flagship event with the theme “Tomorrow Starts Today” at the Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.
At the opening ceremony, Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, who is the Undersecretary, 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 MACEOS Sabah Chapter and SICC.
“Of the 800 delegates, we are targeting 40pc international delegates,” said Liew.
The Minister said she was privileged to meet the United Nations (UN) Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
“I understand this is the first time UN Tourism has participated in the ICCA Congress.”
Liew was introduced to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Saudi Conference & Exhibition General Authority (SCEGA), Fahad Abdulmohsen Al Rasheed, President of ICCA Marta Gomes and CEO of ICCA Senthil Gopinath.
She exchanged notes on tourism with the Minister of Tourism, Panama Gloria de Leon, among others.
It is also an opportunity to introduce the newly-established Sabah Convention Bureau, added Liew.
The ICCA Congress ends on Oct 23.
