BECM: Business events sector must open urgently

THE Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM) has urged the Government to reopen business events in the country, arguing that if the arts and creative industries can reopen in 4Q2021, there is no reason to keep the business events sector closed.

“It does not augur well as why the entertainment industry such as cinemas, galleries and art exhibitions can reopen, yet keep such a critical sector of Business Events like trade exhibitions and conferences closed,” said BECM acting chairman Datuk Vincent Lim.

Datuk Vincent Lim

The Business Events industry is a key contributor to Malaysia’s economy and in 2019 alone, it has generated over RM27.5 bil to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Trade exhibitions and conferences are crucial for livelihoods and businesses and these events create jobs and generate millions of revenues for other industries such as tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, and services such as transportation.

“We urge the government to consider reopening this sector immediately under strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

“The Business Events industry has been badly affected during over 18 months of restrictions, yet we all complied.

“It is time now to open these doors to allow us to create the jobs and revenue that is crucial for this last quarter of the year,” he added.

Lim went on to stress that Business Events professionals have always abided strictly by regulations and are familiar with maintaining law and order in every exhibition, be it a small local exhibition or a significant marketplace for global delegates.

“With the national vaccination rollout now approaching 80% and going strong, we cannot afford to sit back any longer.

“Business Events require a minimum of three months to plan, promote, and execute an exhibition.

“Reopening the sector now allows us a chance to catch up with the rest of the world in planning, and if we wait any longer, we will lose out to other global cities that are also bidding for a stake of the industry, such as Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia,” Lim remarked.

The BECM employs over 3.24 million people in its entire ecosystem and has 28,000 companies driving the economy, including its affiliate associations.

It represents nine trade associations from the exhibition, conference, meeting planners, events management and hotel to the travel & tour, live events, retail, and food & beverage industries. – Sept 14, 2021.

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