16-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre turns 20 amid industry shift
KUALA LUMPUR: The events industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and client expectations are evolving in tandem, according to John Burke, general manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre).
Looking ahead, Burke emphasised that the Centre's success over the next two decades will hinge on its ability to remain agile and responsive to change.
"Events are changing. Client needs are changing. We have evolved our event support services as event formats change. We have refurbished and redesigned many parts of the event space to enhance and meet new client needs. And there are more developments to come," he said.
Since opening its doors in 2005, the Centre, a purpose-built venue for conferences, exhibitions, and events, has hosted over 22,000 events and welcomed 29 million visitors, contributing RM12.6 billion to Malaysia's economy.
Sustainability has become a core focus of the Centre's operations.
"We have gone into overdrive on our sustainability efforts," Burke said.
He noted that the Centre is now powered entirely by green energy, 100 per cent of food waste is composted, and 70 per cent of the food and beverage offerings are sourced locally within Malaysia.
The Centre recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a lively reception attended by industry stakeholders, partners, and clients. Themed "Celebrating the Past 20. Shaping the Next 20", the event highlighted the Centre's evolution as a platform for global dialogue, economic progress, and cultural exchange.
Among the guests was Datuk Mohd Salem Kailany, group chief executive officer of the KLCC Group of Companies.
"Some of the team members of the Centre have been here from day one. It is their anniversary too," Burke added in tribute to the longstanding staff.
The Centre is owned by Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, which in turn, is part of PETRONAS.
