WTCKL Bags Asean Tourism Standards Award, Solidifies Role As Premier Regional Mice Hub
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) made history on the international stage when it bagged the ASEAN Tourism Standards Award (2026-2028) for the Third ASEAN MICE Venue (Exhibition Venue Category) in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday.
The award was presented by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) secretary-general Shaharuddin Abu Sohot during a ceremony officiated by the Philippines Tourism Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco, on behalf of her country's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
WTCKL said the recognition solidifies its position as a premier hub for business events, high-impact exhibitions, conferences and large-scale gatherings, in line with Malaysia's aspirations.
"This achievement also places WTCKL among the elite exhibition venues that meet rigorous ASEAN regional standards, encompassing physical infrastructure, technology and services while highlighting its excellence in facility quality, central management and team expertise,” it said in a statement.
Meanwhile, WTCKL Group managing director Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim described the recognition as proof of its continuous commitment to maintaining international-class service standards.
"This award reflects WTCKL's capability to meet ASEAN benchmarks and our continued focus on delivering high-quality, safe and competitive exhibition facilities, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026,” he added.
He said WTCKL will continue to focus on infrastructure enhancement and operational management to align with global trends, in addition to driving service innovation through strategic collaborations with industry partners to strengthen a sustainable event economy in the region.
Irmohizam also held meetings with Christina to inform her about the developments of WTCKL and to reaffirm the commitment to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines in advancing the business events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry in the region.
Meanwhile, WTCKL Group chief executive officer Fauzy Wahab described the recognition as a catalyst for WTCKL to continue driving growth and excellence in the MICE industry through emphasis on innovation, relevance and high-standard compliance for every event organised.
The ASEAN Tourism Standards Award recognises tourism organisations and facilities that meet standards set by ASEAN member countries, in line with efforts to enhance quality and consistency within the tourism and MICE industries across the region.
-- BERNAMA
