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During the one-day event, the association industry leading executives took to the stage to discuss both the opportunities and the challenges facing the current associations and meeting industry.
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Society of Association Executives (MSAE) was officially launched during the Malaysia Association neXt (MyNext) 2017conference, hailed as a strategic move aimed at growing Malaysia’s association community in the country’s bid to have the most professional, successful and sustainable business events industry in Asia, as outlined in the Malaysia’s Business Events Roadmap.
MSAE was first mooted by association representatives during the inaugural MyNext conference in November 2015. Its establishment is devoted to help association professionals by nurturing the members in enhancing growth, development and professionalism. The society will lead in creating a dynamic environment in Malaysia, in which Association Management is duly recognised and appreciated as a profession.
Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, encouraged and facilitated the establishment of MSAE, together with several renowned association leaders. MSAE is similar to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE).
Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, President and Medical Director of National Cancer Society Malaysia speaking during “Dare to Think Big: Impact of Globalisation on Your Association” session
Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB, Datuk Zulkefli Hj. Sharif said, “The establishment of the MSAE comes in at a time to complement our efforts in positioning Malaysia as Asia’s Business Events Hub and we look forward to further advance the industry professionalism and development of associations in Malaysia. Leading the way with knowledge and information sharing to enhance the business events industry, we are glad to host MyNext 2017 with MSAE.”
President of MSAE, Dato’ Dr Zaliha Omar said, “Our mission is to advance the stature and professionalism of associations in Malaysia through advocacy, education and advisory services. Among our objectives are to promote the profession of association management, to accord networking platform for our members, and to conduct educational and training courses to uplift our members’ knowledge, skills and standards. I would also like to urge and encourage our fellow association members to become MSAE members and connect with other like-minded professionals in the association management industry.”
Regional Director Asia Pacific, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “The initiatives to set up the MSAE are indeed a significant move for Malaysia to capitalise on the power of association. More importantly, it represents a platform where local association leaders and executives can exchange knowledge and know-how to build efficient and sustainable associations. We applaud this effort and congratulate MSAE on achieving this milestone.”
Datuk Dr. Abd Aziz Yahya, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur and Prince Court Medical Centre speaking during “Dare to Think Big: Impact of Globalisation on Your Association” session
This year’s MyNext, which saw the presence of 124 local association experts and thought leaders, gave delegates the opportunity to learn and discuss the latest insights and best practices in the association management industry, as well as access to cutting-edge insights, exchange ideas, network, express thoughts and debate issues that impact the future growth sustainability of associations in Malaysia.
During the one-day event, the association industry leading executives took to the stage to discuss both the opportunities and the challenges facing the current associations and meeting industry. Other topics such as Transformation in Association, Dare to Think Big: Impact of Globalisation on Your Association, Leadership in Association Management, Managing Events with Limited Budget, and Creating Legacy to the Destination, among others. Speakers include Octavio Peralta, Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE); Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hj Hashim, FASc, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS; Datuk Dr Abd. Aziz Yahya, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur & Prince Court Medical Centre; Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, President and Medical Director, National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM); Cynthia Martin, Director, Bespoke Marketing Sdn. Bhd, one of MyNext’s partners; to name a few.
Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Abdul Rahim Hj Hashim, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS during one of the sharing session at MyNext 2017
Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), Octavio Peralta said, “It is definitely an amazing and knowledgeable event that MyCEB has put together which has successfully been running for the third time this year. Through MyNext, associations would have a better and clearer understanding of the purpose and objective of their associations to be more relevant to their target audience.”
Secretary General, Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia (ADFIM), Sabaruddin Hj. Ismail said, “Through this event, we are able to gather and meet different associations from all walks of life to share their current developments which can act as a benchmark for our own association. We noticed that there are multiple events conducted by different associations, which enables us to gain insights from, to further make comparisons and better improve the existing event and programme that we have presently, as well as for the future.”
Photo caption: (Third from left) Datuk Zulkefli Hj. Sharif, CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau; (Centre) Dato’ Dr. Zaliha Omar, President of Malaysian Society of Association Executive; and (Third from right) Datuk Dr. Raj Abdul Karim, President-Elect of Malaysian Society of Association Executive posing together with the MSAE committee members
Angelos is the news editor for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). His role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. He currently studies Communication, Media & Culture in Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens.
