SINGAPORE : Malaysia wants to attract more conventions and
exhibitions - many of which are now being hosted in neighbouring
Singapore.
So it is building a mega convention centre in the southern state of
Johor.
The Persada Johor International Convention Centre will cost more
than US$13 million and should be ready in July 2006.
Convention officials say there is already interest from some 10
countries.
The Persada Johor International Convention Centre is the first such
centre for Johor and the entire southern part of Malaysia.
Developed and owned by Johor Corporation, the state government's
investment arm, it hopes to capture a slice of the growing market
for meetings, conventions and exhibitions.
The state-of-the-art centre incorporates traditional Malay
architecture and hopes to be a venue for weddings, concerts and
dinners as well.
With a built-up area of over 24,000 square metres, the two-storey
building can accommodate 3,500 delegates.
It is banking on its proximity to two airports - the Senai
International Airport in Johor and Singapore's Changi International
Airport.
But the new kid on the block is not being seen as competition by
one of Asia-Pacific's largest convention space - Suntec Centre in
neighbouring Singapore.
Suntec says it is competing with the larger destinations that are
known to attract international associations, such as London,
Capetown, Sydney and Melbourne.
Warren J Buckley, CEO, Singapore Suntec International Convention
and Exhibition Centre, said, "Here in Singapore, we have 40
different airlines reaching 160 cities. They're looking for (a)
safe and secure environment. Singapore can certainly offer that and
they're looking for ease of access around the city.
"Here in Suntec we are connected to 5,000 hotel rooms. It really is
a drawing card for international associations. On the other hand,
if you are looking for a regional or corporate meeting, I think JB
will be a perfect location."
The Suntec centre, which can host up to 12,000 delegates, holds
familiarisation tours as part of its marketing strategy.
Suntec also says that contrary to criticisms that doing business in
Singapore is expensive,
accommodation and transport costs for example, are more than
competitive, compared with other international venues.
Mr Buckley said, "Most associations would like to know that they're
going to attract a maximum number of delegates and Singapore has a
lot going for it. And even if it's not in Singapore, they'll stay
longer because they'll use Singapore as a stepping off point to dip
their toes in other parts of Asia. That we use as a selling point
as well."
Thus Suntec prides itself as a self-contained convention city that
no other venue can match. - CNA