Bureau chief focused on coronavirus implications and private sector collaboration.

Abdul Khani Daud has been named the new CEO of the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

He succeeds Zulkefli Sharif who held the post since 2009.

Daud’s appointment comes in the midst of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak that is impacting business events globally.

Speaking to Biz Events Asia, Daud said: “My first order of things will be to help our stakeholders manage the impact of the coronavirus on the MICE industry.”

He disclosed that he recently met with Malaysia’s minister of finance to discuss possible stimulus packages to soften the blow, and is optimistic of a positive outcome.

Meanwhile, he intends to make MyCEB the main point of reference for industry players. “Our focus now is on sharing relevant and accurate information in a timely manner to stakeholders and ensure that they implement the measures outlined by the government,” he said.

“We want to convey the message that Malaysia is taking every possible measure to ensure that the coronavirus situation is contained and that Malaysia remains a safe destination for events.”

For the longer term, Daud hopes to see MyCEB play a bigger role to facilitate the growth of the industry.

“MyCEB will need to re-strategise our focus and improve how we work with the private sector,” he said. “I’m keen to work collaboratively with associations and industry, as well as the relevant government agencies, to strengthen the business events brand of Malaysia.

“This may require an overview of the current business events ecosystem to see how we can better support the industry. We will also need to identify the opportunities that MyCEB can leverage to remain relevant to our stakeholders.”


For more details, please visit: bizeventsasia.com/2020/02/11/new-myceb-ceo-to-strengthen-industry-collaboration/