Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) scored two big prizes in November, further enhancing its position as a leader in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
On Nov 9, its deputy chief executive officer, Norafizah Abd Rahman, won the Professional Woman of Distinction Award at the ShangHai Honourable Women Entrepreneur Business Award.
On Nov 25, Mitec was recognised as the World’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre for 2024 at the World Travel Awards.
“Winning the award at the World Travel Awards was a tremendous honour as we were recognised by our peers,” said Norafizah, whose last posting before Mitec was as chief operating officer of MyNic, an agency under the Digital Ministry.
“I have only been with Mitec for the past six months, but I’m fully aware of the tremendous effort everyone has invested from the beginning.
“While we have been recognised as the leading centre for 2024, we must redouble our efforts in the coming year.”
Norafizah said she was confident Mitec would continue to grow as the ongoing development around the venue progresses steadily.
She anticipates that the opening of a new luxury hotel in the second half of 2025 will significantly benefit Mitec.
“Unlike some of our competitors, there is no hotel within walking distance of Mitec,” said Norafizah, who, as former chief operating officer of Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS), oversaw the convention and exhibition centre transform into a hospital for Covid-19 patients in just four days.
“But with a hotel coming up next year, we will solve that issue.
“We have also worked hard to make it more accessible for the public to reach the venue. One of these efforts includes working closely with e-hailing companies, and I’m confident we are ready to face any challenge next year.”
Norafizah said she was looking forward to 2025, when Malaysia becomes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) chair, as that means there will be plenty of opportunities for Mitec to host meetings and conventions.
“Although I’m the deputy CEO, I’m also tasked with liaising with government agencies to get them to hold their events in Mitec,” said Norafizah, who holds a Master’s in Business Administration from England’s York St John University.
“I have a good relationship with many in government due to my previous postings in MAEPS and MyNic, but it is not a hard sell to convince people to come to Mitec as we have superb facilities here.
“I would also say we have some of the best-tasting food – as Malaysians, that is always a plus point!”
She added that she has met with several government agencies to promote Mitec and that the next big event is the National AI Office (NAIO) launch on Dec 12.
Reflecting on her 25-year career, Norafizah acknowledged how far she has come, from starting as a secretary to becoming a hotel sales manager before taking on executive roles at MAEPS, MyNic, and now Mitec.
“Sometimes I feel as if God has been kind to me. I’ve had excellent mentors and a dedicated team who are always willing to go the extra mile,” said Norafizah.
“Transforming MAEPS into a hospital in four days taught me many valuable lessons in planning, patience and empathy.
“I believe I’m at the right place, and I would like to recognise the incredible contribution of women, as 70 per cent of the staff at Mitec are women. May we continue to lead the MICE industry for years to come.”
Norafizah’s leadership, and Mitec’s unwavering dedication to excellence, will ensure the venue continues to lead the way in creating impactful, world-class events.
