Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani Daud, the Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition (MyCEB), will retire on April 21, 2023, after an outstanding 38-year career in the tourism and business events industry. The non-profit organization, MyCEB, announced today, acknowledging the tremendous contributions of the seasoned tourism expert, who has been a vital force

Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani Daud, the Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition (MyCEB), will retire on April 21, 2023, after an outstanding 38-year career in the tourism and business events industry. The non-profit organization, MyCEB, announced today, acknowledging the tremendous contributions of the seasoned tourism expert, who has been a vital force in the development of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani began his illustrious career in 1985 at Tourism Malaysia (TM), where he climbed to Acting Director General. He was then posted as an overseas Director in charge of global markets, which included Tourism Malaysia’s offices in Australia, Singapore, South Africa, and Thailand. Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani’s outstanding expertise in marketing is evident in the increase of 60% in tourist arrivals from Singapore between 2000 and 2004. During his service period, a 45% growth for Latin America was recorded, opening the market for Argentina.

In 2018, Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani became the Organising Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and later took office as the head of Malaysia’s business events industry at MyCEB. He also played a crucial role in the ease of travel to Malaysia by forming the Business Events Special Lane at significant airports, ensuring a smooth entry process. Additionally, he created the 3R (reset, restart, and responsible) initiative, which aimed to help industry players achieve maximum success.

Under his leadership, MyCEB spearheaded various local and international projects, such as the Meet in Malaysia campaign, generating an estimated economic impact of RM1.05 billion for the country from 2020 to 2022. He also formulated the Malaysia Business Events Strategic Marketing Plan 2021 – 2030, which aims to contribute RM42.12 billion in estimated economic impact by 2030, creating approximately 25,833 total employment.

Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khai has guided the organization through several reinventions, including working closely with various ministries to track all business events activities in the country. This includes significant events organized by different ministries, such as Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), etc.

Throughout his career, Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani has been an established leader serving Malaysia’s tourism sector for over three decades. He is a well-respected global business event and tourism leader, having exhibited strong leadership qualities since joining MyCEB. He has contributed immensely to elevating every organization he was appointed to and has left a lasting legacy in Malaysia’s tourism industry.

In recognition of his contributions, several industry leaders and associations have expressed their gratitude and well wishes, including YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia, and Dato’ Vincent Lim, Board Member of Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA). They have praised his tireless efforts in revitalizing the post-pandemic business events industry and establishing a prosperous and sustainable industry in Malaysia.

In conclusion, Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani Daud’s retirement marks the end of an era in Malaysia’s tourism industry, but his contributions will continue to leave a lasting legacy. His outstanding leadership and dedication have uplifted the country’s economic landscape and positioned Malaysia as a world-renowned destination for business events convergences. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the industry, but the inspiration he has provided will continue to drive the industry forward.

Written by: Supaporn  Pholrach (Joom)

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