According to latest statement,AFECA is a world federation representing the exhibitions and conventions industry in Asia. Its newly elected President – Dato’ Vincent Lim is a notable figure in the Malaysian BE (Business Events) industry. Here, Dato’ shared his concerns on the current state of the BE industry in Malaysia.
The Malaysia BE (Business Events) industry saw one of its personality being elected into a world federation representing the exhibitions and conventions industry in Asia – AFECA (Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations), one of the four global conference and exhibition umbrella bodies, alongside UFI (The Global Association of Exhibition Industry, IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events) and ICCA
(International Congress and Convention Association).
Dato’ Vincent will helm AFECA for a two-year term, in office from 2020 – 2022. He was sworn-in during the 15th AFECA Annual General Meeting that was held virtually for the first time in its history. Dato’ Vincent replaces Immediate Past President, Mr. Walter Yeh who is also the ex-President of Taiwan External Trade Development Council and Taiwan Exhibition and Conference Association (TECA). Dato’ Vincent will be working alongside the newly elected Board Members who are knowledgeable and experienced BE personalities from the various regional countries.
His appointment comes during the most challenging period faced by AFECA members as the BE industry has been halted due to the pandemic. A 30-year veteran in the Business Events industry and Immediate Past President of the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), Dato’ Vincent has been instrumental in raising the concerns of the local BE industry since the pandemic when he was onboard as the MACEOS President.
At the home front, recently the Malaysian Business Events industry also known as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) was further dealt with a blow when Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) – the newest and biggest purpose-built exhibition hall in the country announced its temporary closure due to the pandemic. It is unfortunate that it became a major negative impact to the BE industry locally and internationally.
Dato’ Vincent reiterated that “Business events are a catalyst that has been proven time
and again to generate tremendous socio-economic growth and a needed income to
boost our local economy and provide thousands of jobs. 90% of business events have
been cancelled or postponed this year and that alone has made up to RM2.25 billion in
economic losses.”
E: secretariat@afeca.asia W: www.afeca.asia
“Currently, the Government have not allowed the BE industry to open therefore, we
cannot emphasise how urgent this need is, given that massive losses have been
recorded since March”, he further added. Beyond his service at AFECA and MACEOS, Dato’ Vincent also shares an extensive professional experience in the industry as the Founder and President to his own company – C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd.
Established since 1994, today, with headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and a
branch office in Jakarta, Indonesia, C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd continues to build a strong reputation in the Business Events industry for organising flagship, awardwinning trade and lifestyle exhibitions with 12 brands across both the Malaysian and Indonesian market.
Some of the notable brands include ARCHIDEX, HOMEDEC, ITEX and three new shows ENGINEER, MARVEX and AGExpo. Bringing his personal motto – To constantly challenge ourselves to go the extra mile in innovation and excellence so that we are at the forefront of the industry, Dato’ Vincent hopes to catapult the industry, regardless of his home country or the region, to the next level amidst the constant challenges, especially during these unprecedented times.
