“As the sun rises over the shimmering skyline of Kuala Lumpur, I’m reminded of the vibrant energy that pulses through this city—a city that is becoming an increasingly prominent player in the global business events industry.
Every day, thousands of delegates pour into our convention centers for conferences and exhibitions that put Malaysia on the world stage. From medical forums to international trade events, Malaysia is proving its worth in an industry expected to reach an eye-watering US$1.78 billion by 2030. The growth is undeniable, but there’s an underlying issue that threatens to halt this momentum: the lack of skilled talent.
The rise of Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, as a hub for business events is impressive. The market is projected to grow at 12.5% annually until 2028. Malaysia’s strategic location, its modern infrastructure, and forward-thinking initiatives like Visit Malaysia 2026 are making it an increasingly attractive destination. With tourism expected to generate RM336.6 billion by 2034, the potential is enormous, and yet, the foundation of this success—the workforce—is at risk.
It’s no secret that the pandemic hit the hospitality sector hard. Hotels closed, workers transitioned out of the industry, and it left us with a severe shortage of talent. Malaysia’s hospitality workforce shrunk by 10% in 2020, and many of the people we need to run this thriving sector simply aren’t there. As we build the future, we’re faced with a glaring truth: we need people, skilled, passionate people, to continue this journey.
As a leader in this industry, it’s clear to me that the solution lies in change. We have to reimagine hospitality as a career.
We must reshape how people see this industry and make it an attractive path for the next generation. It’s no longer enough to have roles that are perceived as hard work for low pay. Younger generations are focused on more than just a paycheck—they seek balance, flexibility, and meaningful growth.
At the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), we’re already pushing the envelope. We’re reshaping the way we invest in our team. Through training programs, career mobility, and partnerships with educational institutions, we are laying the groundwork for the future. We’re not just filling roles; we’re nurturing careers.
Our collaboration with Charterhouse School, for example, introduced secondary school students to the business world through the Dragons’ Den Business Competition. It was an opportunity to plant the seed of entrepreneurship and innovation in young minds, showing them the exciting possibilities in the hospitality industry.
But it’s not just about training. It’s about creating a path—a roadmap for growth. Students come to us through internships, career fairs, and hands-on learning opportunities. They aren’t just learning about the hospitality industry—they’re diving into it, gaining real-world experience. Our efforts to partner with universities and colleges mean that students walk away not just with degrees, but with the skills they need to thrive.
But even as we invest in people, we must embrace the future—technology. In an era of constant change, cloud-based systems and AI tools will ensure that we are not just tracking employees’ progress, but helping them grow in ways we’ve never done before. These tools will guide us in identifying the best talent, helping them navigate their career journeys, and improving our hiring processes.
It’s not just about technology or training programs—it’s about creating a supportive environment where people feel valued. Engaged employees are more likely to stay and grow within an organization. By focusing on work-life balance, recognition, and personal growth, we can reduce turnover and build a workforce that feels like a family, committed to the long-term success of the industry.
As the day draws to a close and Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, I see more than just a city. I see an industry undergoing a transformation—one that is shaping the future of hospitality in Malaysia and beyond.
Together, through collaborative efforts between the private sector, government, and educational institutions, we can build a workforce that is ready to take on the world’s biggest events.
The future of Malaysia’s business events industry rests on us—the people who will power its rise. And I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”
John Burke is the General Manager of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, leading initiatives to drive the future of Malaysia’s hospitality industry.
