Inaugural Awards to Recognize Outstanding Contribution to MICE Journalism

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13, 2011 (Press-News.org) The prestigious Malaysian MICE Journalism Awards (MMJA) 2011 which will be held for the first time this year will recognize excellence in business events journalism.

MMJA is the initiative of the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) and is jointly supported by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) and Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

MICE, an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, has brought in RM11 billion in visitor spend in 2010 and has been recently identified as one of the key Entry Point Projects (EPPs) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

"The journalists, writers, cameraman and photographers have been instrumental in spurring the growth of MICE industry in Malaysia. Through MMJA, we hope to acknowledge their tireless efforts and significant contribution," said Chairman of SCB Dato' Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah after the launch of the awards today by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Datuk Dr. James Dawos Mamit.

He added that another rationale behind MMJA is to bridge the knowledge gap between the MICE industry and the public.

"Misconceptions and lack of understanding about an industry that is worth billions of ringgit is also the catalyst for MMJA. We hope that through MMJA, more in-depth reports on the industry will be produced thus creating a better understanding of the value of the MICE industry to the Malaysian community."

Entries are open to all full-time print, online and broadcast journalists. Applicants will be vying for top prizes in three categories this year: Best Print Feature Category, Best Broadcast Special Report and Special Category - MICE industry in Sarawak.

To qualify, reports must be published or aired between 1 January 2011 and 8 August 2011.

Malaysian Press Institute Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chamil Wariya said the winners would be selected based on two key criteria.

"Our primary focus is to identify in-depth and thought-provoking reports on MICE. Additionally the reports should also help create awareness and better understanding about this industry."

Chamil added that a panel judges comprising of senior editors from various media agencies will select the winners that fulfil these criteria.

Winners of each category will receive an all paid convention package worth RM10,000 which can be used to attend any journalism conference of their choice, plus RM 2,000 in cash.

Closing date for entries is on 15 August 2011. Winners will be announced in September 2011. To obtain contest forms and to see samples of entries, interested applicants are advised to visit the official website of MMJA at http://www.mmjaward.com.


About Sarawak Convention Bureau
Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) was established in 2006 by the State Government of Sarawak. We are a non-profit company whose aim is to bring Sarawak to the forefront as a competitive destination for international meetings. The Bureau is a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Our goal is to help connect NGOs, corporations and government bodies with whatever necessary to make international conventions a success in Sarawak. For more information, log on to http://www.sarawakcb.com

Media Contact for Sarawak Convention Bureau:
1. Ms. Amelia Roziman (Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs)
M: +6 012 8831820 E: amelia@sarawakcb.com

2. Ms. Manminder Kaur Dhillon (Public Relations Consultant)
T: +6 03 7713 2254 M: +6012 652 3868 E: manminder@intelectasia.com

About Borneo Convention Centre Kuching:
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) is the first purpose built convention centre on the island of Borneo. BCCK opened its doors to the world on October 18, 2009 during its Soft Opening and was officially launched by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak on March 2, 2010. Since opening BCCK has hosted over 150 events including international and regional conventions, exhibitions, corporate meetings, weddings and banquets ranging in size from 10 to 5000. Situated just 8km from the Kuching city centre, the iconic BCCK is home to event specialists who are ready to make any event a success. For more information, log on to http://www.bcck.com.my
Media Contact for Borneo Convention Centre Kuching:
1. Ms. Paula Chang (PR Executive)
T: +6082 392888 E:paula.chang@bcck.com.my