John Burke Joins The AIPC Board, Strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s Leadership in Global Business Events

Published on July 23, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is solidifying its standing in the business of business events, with General Manager, John Burke, being appointed to the International Association of Convention Centres’ (AIPC) Board of Directors.

The move reflects Malaysia’s increasing direction in global business events and serves as a major milestone in establishing Kuala Lumpur as one of the world’s most important business event destination.

The AIPC, which represents more than 55 countries worldwide, is a prominent international organization dedicated to advancing excellence in convention centre management. The Board of Directors oversees strategic decisions, including policies and programmes that elevate global standards in the convention industry.

As a Board member, John Burke will play an integral role in shaping the future of convention centres globally, focusing on collaboration with peers in enhancing regional best practices.

This appointment strengthens Malaysia’s voice in the international business events arena and further positions Kuala Lumpur as a dynamic meetings hub within the Asia Pacific region.

The role of AIPC Board member provides John with a valuable platform to work alongside global leaders in convention centre management, such as Julianne Jammers, President of the SwissTech Convention Centre, and Taubie Motlhabane, Vice President of the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

John will collaborate with these leaders and the wider AIPC network to bring best practices and innovative strategies to convention centres worldwide.

Malaysia’s appointment to the AIPC Board aligns with the country’s broader ambitions to become a leader in the global business events sector.

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has set ambitious targets for the industry, including attracting 5.9 million delegates by 2030, contributing an estimated RM42.12 billion to the Malaysian economy. John Burke’s new position presents an opportunity to directly contribute to these targets, amplifying Malaysia’s role in international business events and advancing the country’s standing as a key destination for global meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.

Kuala Lumpur has already been recognized for its exceptional facilities, services, and strong infrastructure, which support its status as one of Asia’s top convention cities. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the city and Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining a world-class standard for hosting international events.

As the country works towards meeting the targets set by MyCEB, having a representative at the AIPC Board enables Malaysia to influence global standards and best practices, while also positioning the country as a prominent business event destination.

The strategic positioning of Kuala Lumpur within the Asia Pacific region makes it an ideal location for international business events.

The city’s infrastructure, combined with its established reputation as a convention destination, plays a key role in attracting global conferences and exhibitions. John Burke’s involvement in the AIPC Board further underscores Kuala Lumpur’s continued success in hosting large-scale international meetings and the city’s growing appeal as a business events hub.

In 2025, the global business events industry is expected to see significant growth, and Kuala Lumpur is well-positioned to capture a larger share of this expanding market.

The appointment of John Burke to the AIPC Board will not only help to shape the future of the convention industry globally but also help to further elevate the prominence of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia as destinations for international business events.

The collaboration between industry leaders and the AIPC’s network is expected to bring continued advancements to the standards of convention venues worldwide.

Malaysia’s leadership in business events is driven by the ongoing efforts of MyCEB and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), which have worked together to support and develop the sector.

The country’s efforts are bolstered by the support of industry organizations like MATTA, which works to ensure that Malaysia remains a competitive destination for international business events.

With the participation of influential figures like John Burke, Malaysia’s role in global business events continues to grow, and the nation’s ambition to become a leader in the sector is closer to fruition.

By becoming an active participant in shaping the future of the global convention industry, John Burke’s appointment to the AIPC Board represents a significant step for both the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and the broader Malaysian tourism and business sectors.

As Malaysia works to achieve MyCEB’s ambitious targets for the business events industry, Burke’s leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s success and international recognition in this vital sector.

The appointment of John Burke to the AIPC Board is a testament to the increase in Malaysia’s prominence in the international business events market.

In its quest to develop its global competitiveness and bid for international business events, the role provides a strategic base to move the industry forward. Being a leading business events destination underpinned by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is close to realising its full potential as a global powerhouse in conventions and exhibitions.