Daily Programme
SCHEDULE DETAILS Event Schedules
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09.45 AM | Opening Ceremony
Opening and Gracing Ceremony
Special Guest - YB Sivakumar, MyCEB Chairman
Join us as we officially open EventXpo 2025, Malaysia’s premier business events marketplace. The ceremony will be graced by distinguished guests, industry leaders, and key government representatives, marking the beginning of three impactful days of exhibitions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
Celebrate this milestone moment as we unite the business events community under the theme of innovation, partnership, and purposeful growth. -
10.30 AM | Fireside Chat with Margaret Ma Connolly
Asia Unboxed : The Future of Business Events
Featured Speaker:
Margaret Ma Connolly, President & CEO, Informa Markets Asia
Moderator:
Datuk Dr. M Gandhi, President, MACEOS
Gain firsthand insights from one of Asia’s most influential industry leaders as Margaret Ma Connolly shares her perspectives on the evolving exhibition landscape, cross-border opportunities, and what it takes to lead in a fast-changing market. A thought-provoking conversation moderated by Datuk Dr. M Gandhi. Moderated by Datuk Dr. M Gandhi, this session offers sharp insights into leadership, innovation, and the future of our industry. -
12.00 PM
Visit Malaysia Year 2026
by Tourism Malaysia
Get ready for Visit Malaysia Year 2026! This session reveals the bold roadmap to elevate Malaysia’s tourism landscape, drive trade, and celebrate cultural richness on a global stage. Discover how industry players can align their strategies, collaborate effectively, and tap into the momentum of this high-impact national campaign. -
12.30 PM
Launching an Event-Led Growth Strategy
by Will Kataria
Country Head & Senior Director, CVENT
Discover how organisations can harness the power of events as a strategic growth engine. In this session, Will Kataria shares key insights on leveraging data, technology, and experience design to drive measurable business outcomes through impactful event strategies. Learn how to turn every event into a catalyst for engagement, conversion, and long-term value. -
02.00 PM
Introduction of Sustainability Event Framework
by Yusno Yunos
Vice President – Innovation, MACEOS
Jointly developed by MACEOS and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Sustainability Event Framework sets a new standard for environmentally responsible and ethically-managed business events in Malaysia. This initiative promotes practical, scalable best practices to guide the industry toward a more sustainable future. -
02.30 PM
Exploring The Gap for the eSport Event Industry in Malaysia
by Dr. Masrur Mohd Khir
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Management
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Malaysia’s eSports scene is growing rapidly, but what’s holding it back from making a bigger regional impact? This session delves into the critical gaps in infrastructure, regulation, and talent, while identifying what’s needed to build a sustainable, competitive eSports event ecosystem in Malaysia. -
03.00 PM
Developing a Sustainable Business Event Model in Malaysia
by Dr. Dr Norol Hamiza Zamzuri
Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Management
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Can business events drive impact without leaving a heavy footprint? This session explores how Malaysia can champion sustainability in the events sector through greener strategies, purposeful planning, and triple-bottom-line thinking, proving that events can deliver value for profit, people, and the planet. -
03.30 PM
Beyond the Stage: Risk Realities and Response Strategies in Music Events
by Dr. Khairiah binti Ismail
Senior Lecturer & Programme Director,
School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events
Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management,
Taylor’s University
Behind every show is a story of preparation and precaution. This session explores the hidden risks behind music events, from crowd dynamics and unpredictable weather to technical glitches and crisis response. Learn how event professionals are navigating these challenges with smart strategies to deliver safe, seamless, and memorable experiences. -
05.00 PM | EventXpo Circle
Exhibitor Networking & Connections
Step into the EventXpo Circle, an exclusive session for exhibitors to connect, collaborate, and spark new opportunities. Build meaningful partnerships and expand your network in a relaxed, business-friendly setting where great events begin with great connections
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05.30 PM | Networking Session (MBEA)
Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) 2025 Gala Arrival of Finalists and VIP Guests
Raise your glass and connect ahead of the celebration. This exclusive networking session offers a stylish prelude to the MBEA 2025 Gala Night — an opportunity to mingle with finalists, VIPs, and industry leaders in an elegant and relaxed setting before the evening’s festivities begin.
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07.00 PM | Gala Night
Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) 2025 Gala Night
Celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact at the MBEA 2025 Gala Night, the industry’s most prestigious evening honouring the trailblazers of Malaysia’s business events sector. A night of recognition, inspiration, and memorable moments.
Note : By invitation only or purchase of table
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09.45 AM | KIND Malaysia Opening Ceremony
Kind Malaysia 2025 Official Opening Ceremony
Join us for the official launch of Kind Malaysia 2025, a meaningful initiative dedicated to promoting kindness, social impact and purpose-driven collaboration. The opening ceremony will bring together dignitaries, changemakers and corporate leaders to celebrate the power of compassion in action, where businesses and communities unite to create a better, more inclusive Malaysia.
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11.00 AM | Panel Session
BE the Builder : Shaping Asia’s Business Events Landscape
Moderator:
Jane Vong Holmes, Advisor, MACEOS
Panellists:
- Dato’ Vincent Lim, President, Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA)
- Datuk Dr. M Gandhi, President, MACEOS
- Hosea Andreas Runkat, Chairman, Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA/ASPERAPI)
- Loy Joon How, President, Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA)
The Business Events (BE) industry is a powerful engine for economic growth, innovation, and cross-sector development. Across Asia, BE is gaining momentum, fuelled by rising professionalism, strategic collaboration, and strong government support. In this thought-provoking panel, regional leaders explore how the industry is building platforms for deeper commitment, smarter partnerships, and greater industry readiness across ASEAN and beyond. -
12.00 PM
Securing the Spotlight: Cybersecurity Essentials for the Modern Business Events Industry
by Sabariah Ahmad
Acting Head, Cyber Security Proactive Services Division, CyberSecurity Malaysia
As the business events industry becomes increasingly digital, cybersecurity is no longer optional. This session uncovers key risks such as data breaches and phishing, and offers practical strategies to protect your systems, platforms, and attendee data. Learn how to stay compliant, build trust, and safeguard your brand in a hyper-connected world. -
12.45 PM
Smarter Events Start with Hidden Data: A Tech Approach That Actually Works
by Hawanisa Roslan
Sales Manager, Evenesis
How well do you really know your event audience? This session explores how uncovering and leveraging hidden data can lead to smarter planning, deeper engagement, and better event outcomes. Learn practical tech strategies that go beyond the basics — and actually deliver results. -
01.30 PM
Inclusion as a Competitive Advantage in the Events Industry
by Jowell Beh
Regional Inclusion Lead, APAC-Informa PLC
Inclusion is more than the right thing to do. It is a strategic edge. This session explores how embracing diversity, equity and accessibility can enhance event experiences, expand audience reach and strengthen brand value. Discover how inclusive practices drive innovation and create lasting impact in today’s competitive events landscape. -
02.00 PM @ Hospitality Suite, Exhibition Hall 4
Beyond the Badge: Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Sharing Session
by Ch’ng Chor Ban CEM, SEPC, DEC
Faculty Advisory Committee Member, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
Senior Lecturer, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, Taylor’s University
Venue : Hospitality Suite, Exhibition Hall 4
Note:
Open to certified CEM holders and the public
Registration is required. Please bring your laptop.
Thinking of renewing your CEM? This session provides practical tips and straightforward guidance on how to maintain your certification with confidence. Learn how to track your credits, submit documentation and avoid common mistakes through insights from those who have successfully completed the process. -
02.30 PM
Every Detail Tells a Story: Integrated Gifting Strategies for Memorable Events
by Teh Yong Lin
Founder, UNSEEN MATTERS
Gifting is more than a gesture. It’s a powerful storytelling tool. This session explores how thoughtful, well-integrated gifting strategies can enhance brand experience, deepen audience connection, and leave a lasting impression long after the event ends. -
03.30 PM
The Role of Big Data in Shaping Event Success
by Kevin Ng
Head of Commercial Asia Pacific, JUBLIA
Big data is transforming the way events are planned, executed and measured. This session explores how data-driven insights can optimise attendee engagement, personalise experiences and drive meaningful outcomes. Learn how to harness analytics to elevate event strategy and performance.
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11.00 AM
Malaysia Business Events National Challenge 2025
A dynamic platform uniting students from across the country to pitch bold ideas and innovative event solutions to industry leaders. More than just a competition, this national challenge is a launchpad for the next generation of business events professionals to showcase creativity, strategic thinking and industry readiness.
Participating Institutions:
• Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
• Berjaya University College
• Management & Science University (MSU)
• Sunway University
• Taylor’s University
• Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
• UCSI University Kuching Campus, Sarawak
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02.00 PM @ Hospitality Suite, Exhibition Hall 4
SST for the Malaysian Business Events Industry
Speaker:
Marcus Tan Wei Loon
Executive Director
Baker Tilly Monteiro Heng Tax Services Sdn Bhd
Venue: Hospitality Suite, Exhibition Hall 4
The recent expansion of Sales and Service Tax (SST) regulations has raised important questions across the business events sector. This session provides practical guidance on how SST impacts organisers, suppliers and venues — and what you need to do to remain compliant and financially prepared. -
02.30 PM | MOC Signing Ceremony
Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) Signing Ceremony
ELITE Programme – MACEOS x Taylor’s University
Witness the official signing of a strategic collaboration between MACEOS and Taylor’s University under the ELITE (Events Leadership, Innovation, Training and Entrepreneurship) Programme. This partnership aims to bridge academia and industry, nurturing future-ready talent and strengthening professional pathways in Malaysia’s business events sector. -
02.45 PM
Future Leader – Aspire to Inspire: Youth Leading Change
Speakers:
• Datuk Dr. M Gandhi, President, MACEOS
• Rahul Bharadwaj, CMP, Chair, Young Industry Professionals, MACEOS
Tomorrow’s leaders are making their mark today. This session highlights the voices of young changemakers driving transformation in the business events industry. Discover how emerging talent, mentorship, and leadership opportunities are shaping a more dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready sector. -
03.30 PM
Malaysia Business Events National Challenge 2025
Result Announcement & Group Photo
Celebrate the outstanding ideas and talent showcased by student teams from across the country. Join us as we announce the winners of the Malaysia Business Events National Challenge 2025, followed by a group photo to mark this proud moment with all participants, judges, and supporters.
