🎉 KL Convention Centre Turns 20: Here’s How It’s Shaping the Future

 20 Years Strong: KL Convention Centre Celebrates with a Look Ahead

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia’s iconic venue for global events, just turned 20 and they’re not slowing down. Themed “Celebrating the Past 20. Shaping the Next 20.”, this major milestone is more than just a birthday bash. It’s a bold statement about the future of events, sustainability, and community power in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

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📍 What Went Down at the 20-Year Celebration

Hosted by singer and actress Atilia Haron, the anniversary reception lit up with music, celebration, and a delicious spread curated by the Centre’s award-winning culinary team. Some dishes were even served on standalone ice sculptures. Icy cool, right?

Here’s what stood out:

• Over 22,000 events held since 2005
• 29 million visitors welcomed
• RM12.6 billion in economic impact
• Hosted the ASEAN Summits in 2005, 2015, and 2025
• Welcomed big names like Barack Obama, David Beckham, and the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

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🌿 Future-Focused: Green Energy and Local Goodness

Under General Manager John Burke, who stepped in back in 2023, the Centre is pivoting hard toward sustainability.

Some serious eco wins include:

• 💡 100% green energy powering the venue
• ♻️ 100% food waste composted
• 🍽️ 70% of food sourced locally

And it’s not stopping there. The Centre recently launched KLCC Connects, a long-term initiative uniting eco action with community vibes bringing together the events industry, hospitality, students, NGOs, and even Urbanice Malaysia.

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🌏 A Global Hub, Built on Local Support

The Centre’s story is one of collaboration. At the event, big thanks were given to KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, as well as partners in the KLCC Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA) including Mandarin Oriental KL, Traders Hotel, Impiana KLCC, and Suria KLCC.

Global support also came from industry powerhouses like:

• ✈️ International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
• 🌐 Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI)
• 🏛️ Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

All these players are helping shape Malaysia’s presence in the global business events scene.

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💬 Quote to Remember

“Some of the team members of the Centre have been here from day one. It is their anniversary too.” – John Burke, General Manager

It’s not just about big numbers or global icons, it’s about people building something iconic together.