ASIA - Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has introduced the Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) Partner Programme (PPP), in an attempt to create an effective platform for professional conference organisation.

The initiative aims to create a competitive environment and increase the standard of the business tourism industry in Malaysia.

The programme is divided into two tiers with a different set of criteria to be fulfilled by PCOs as a requirement before qualifying to become a PPP member.

"Firstly, partners of both tiers are required to become a member of MyCEB's Industry Partner Programme (IPP)," says GM of Sales and Marketing of MyCEB, Ho Yoke Ping. "Our Tier One partners must be able to offer the full PCO services for international meetings with more than five years experience in managing international conferences of 1,000 delegates and above.

"Tier Two partners need to have at least three years experience in managing international conferences consisting of 500 delegates or more. The benefits vary between our Tier One and Two partners; Tier One partners receive higher value in education certification support as well as the the opportunity to be included in bid committees," she adds.

Currently, three companies have signed a MOU with MyCEB as members of the PPP's Tier One PCO: Crystal Edge, Console Communications and AOS Conventions and Events.

Marketing services and solutions company Crystal edge is based in Kuala Lumpur and its MD Cynthia Martin says: "We look forward to gaining invaluable information on market trends, know-how from experts, and business opportunities through various marketing platforms. We aim to work with MyCEB to raise the standards of PCO in the local industry and strengthen Malaysia's position in the international business events market."

MyCEB expects at least six PCOs to qualify as members of PPP before the end of the year.

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