MALAYSIA’S international business credentials were reinforced through participation in the 56th Annual World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Global Business Forum, in Philadelphia with World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) Managing Director Dr Irmohizam leading the country’s representation
The forum, held from April 19 to 22, convenes close to 300 senior leaders from business, government, academia and international organisations, representing 93 World Trade Centres across 46 countries and territories.
It serves as a global platform for advancing cross-border collaboration through business-to-business (B2B) meetings, investment discussions and sector-focused exchanges covering high-growth industries including technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, sustainability and real estate.
Malaysia’s participation is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its positioning as a competitive destination for international business events, with WTCKL playing a central role in expanding global linkages within the sector.
The engagement also supports national tourism and economic objectives linked to the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which has been extended through to the end of 2027 as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently.
The extension aims to maintain promotional momentum among global business and travel audiences amid evolving international travel patterns influenced by geopolitical developments, including tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Irmohizam said platforms such as the WTCA Global Business Forum are instrumental in positioning Malaysia as a secure and attractive destination for international business engagement and tourism.
“International networking platforms such as the WTCA Global Business Forum allow Malaysia to showcase its strengths as a premier destination that is safe and stable for business events and tourism.
“By building strong relationships with international delegations and attracting them to Malaysia, I am confident we can support the country’s efforts to increase tourist arrivals and strengthen the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026, which has now been extended until 2027,” he said in a statement today.
As a WTCA Board Member, he continues to contribute to efforts aimed at attracting high-impact international conferences and exhibitions to Malaysia.
His additional roles on the Board of Directors of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and as an Advisory Council Member of the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) further reinforce Malaysia’s visibility and competitiveness within the global business events ecosystem.
His sustained involvement in international networks is viewed as strengthening Malaysia’s integration into global institutional frameworks, while also supporting industry development through exposure to international standards, trends and best practices.
World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) is a premier accredited member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and a leading business events hub in Malaysia.
Strategically located in the capital city, WTCKL provides modern facilities including exhibition halls, conference venues and serviced office spaces designed to support international connectivity and economic development.
In addition to its physical infrastructure, WTCKL offers comprehensive trade and networking services aimed at enhancing global business linkages and supporting economic growth.
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a global network comprising more than 300 interconnected businesses and organisations across nearly 100 countries and territories.
As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, WTCA grants licensing rights to its members to use the brand alongside independently owned properties, facilities and trade-related services. - April 22, 2026
