CONGRATULATIONS: Dr Toyad (second left) receiving the Minister’s Award for the Business Events industry from Nazri (centre) at the rAWr Awards held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre recently.
KUCHING: The recently concluded rAWr (Recognising Award Winning Results) Awards held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre saw Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) chairman Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad being awarded with the Minister’s Award for the Business Events industry.
It was presented by Minister of Tourism and Culture Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz in recognition of his contribution in developing the local industry.
According to a press statement from Kuala Lumpur, the award was created to recognise the long term commitment and achievements of an individual within the business events industry.
Dr Toyad, who was nominated by UCSI Communications managing director Gracie Geikie, dedicated the award to the SCB team for their hard work and passion in developing business events in Sarawak.
“We are honoured to be recognised by this inaugural award, as the pioneer in the industry and our contribution is not just for Sarawak but also Malaysia,” he said.
“We also acknowledge the leadership of our past chief executive officer Jill Henry, our present managing director Mike Cannon and all members of the Board of Directors past and present who have provided guidance and many creative ideas to our SCB team,” added Dr Toyad who also extended his gratitude towards industry players.
Since its establishment, SCB has won/supported more than 242 bids contributing around RM244 million of direct delegate expenditure for Malaysia.
In the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Asia Pacific and Middle East city ranking for 2012, Kuching now shares the 38th spot with Colombo, Chennai, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta and Tel Aviv, bettering the performance of many established second tier cities such as Canberra, Nagoya, Chengdu and Osaka.
The rAWr Awards, initiated by Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) aim to provide recognition and tribute to outstanding achievements in the Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition Industry within Malaysia.