Convention centres are valuable social and economic infrastructure assets, boosting Malaysia’s competitiveness and its profile globally. More than just event spaces, venues provides essential platform for conversations, trade activities and business engagements. Business events such as exhibitions, conferences and meetings attracting world leaders and decision makers for intellectual and financial capital investments, which are effective channels used by the private and public sectors to promote local innovation expertise to the global audience and offer professional development opportunities for Malaysians.
In the new normal era, business events players have demonstrated a safe and controlled manner to conduct business events in compliance to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), championed by venues and supported by organisers. As Malaysia continues to accelerate its COVID-19 immunisation drive, majority convention centres have offered their venues and infrastructure services to be vaccination centres (PPV) in supporting the Government’s initiative to achieve 80% herd immunity. By placing the same level of confidence in the business events industry again, government recognising the offer to use convention centres as vaccination centres in a phased approach, in an effort to stimulate local businesses and country’s economy.
With the opportunity to be involved in the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK), Malaysia’s Convention Centres able to demonstrate its strength as purpose-built convention centres that are designed to facilitate large crowd flow seamlessly and to regulate movement from one point to another, keeping in consideration those with limited physical abilities while accommodating a variety of needs simultaneously. Most of the senior and golden citizens scheduled for vaccination are experiencing the respective venue for the first time in their life, and comforted by the ease of navigation and movement within the venue. Let’s have a glimpse on the Malaysia’s mega convention centres that offer venue spaces as vaccination centres to the government in the immunisation programme, which is organised and managed by the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF).
Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC)
Since COVID-19 hit the shores of Malaysia in March 2020, Sunway has committed more than RM50 million through various measures to help the nation fight the pandemic, including turning Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC) into Malaysia’s first large-scale vaccination centre for the Petaling District for the benefit of the community. Opened its doors on 10 March 2021, SPCC has seen about 9,000 frontline workers vaccinated with a total of some 13,000 doses administered till end of April.
In the end of April 2021, Sunway Group launched its second phase of vaccinations at SPCC and vaccinations will be carried out progressively for the public until February 2022, following the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (NCIP). The SPCC vaccination centre has been leading the way in vaccination up to 5,000 doses per day since phase two, with a space of 150,000 sqft that able to mobilise the resources in a single location and accelerate vaccinations. Sunway Healthcare group’s flagship hospital Sunway Medical Centre has been appointed as Healthcare Organiser (HCO) by ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd to perform clinical management and public vaccinations at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC).
More about SPCC
Spanning 150,000 sqft, Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC) forms an integral part of the vibrant integrated Sunway City as an event venue. This iconic landmark is also home to Asia’s Best Attractions, the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, the massive Sunway Pyramid Mall and three distinct Sunway Hotels & Resorts offering over 1,400 guest rooms, suites and villas, leaving you spoilt for choice.
World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL)
The AstraZeneca vaccination process at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) vaccination centre is running smooth despite the vaccination capacity has been increased to 8,100 doses a day starting 15 May 2021, making it one of the centres with the capability of carrying out the largest scale vaccination exercise in the country. Vaccine recipients were satisfied with the vaccination process and glad that everything went on smoothly. Currently the WTCKL’s AstraZeneca PPV, being managed by a government-owned company established under the Health Ministry, ProtectHealth Corporation, is the largest PPV in Malaysia and has the capability to dispense 2,100 to 8,100 doses of vaccines a day. In support of Covid-19 vaccination program, Sunway Putra Mall is rewarding those who have been vaccinated at WTCKL with flat rate parking and exclusive rewards from 15th May onwards.
More about WTCKL
Standing as Malaysia’s pioneer and leading convention and exhibition centre for over 35 years, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) boasts 40,000 square metres of events space, with variety of halls, meeting rooms in modern settings and open spaces. The iconic building with traditional architecture steep in custom and history, hosted a series of successful events such as general assemblies of political parties, book fairs, exhibitions, trade fairs, weddings and countless notable events including the unforgettable concert by Bruno Mars in 2011.
Ideal Convention Centre Shah Alam (IDCC)
Ideal Convention Center Shah Alam (IDCC) started operating as vaccination centre on 24th May 2021 with a capacity of 3,000 doses a day. The vaccination systems and procedures of the centre were well thought of, leaving vaccine recipients pleasant experience with professional medical teams and friendly volunteers, as well as comfortable environment with ample parking,
More about IDCC
Conveniently accessed through Shah Alam Expressway and Federal Highway, Ideal Convention Center Shah Alam (IDCC) is structurally designed and built to house a home decoration centre spread over a podium of 300 meters in length for a three-story wholesale and retail concept stores, a systematic yet convenient 5 story car park, a block of 15 story Office Tower and a block of 15 story business class hotel.
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre commence as a mega vaccination centre from 7 June 2021, with an initial capacity of 4,000 vaccines and increase gradually to a maximum of 8000 vaccine recipients daily. Overlooking the beautiful KLCC Park, the Centre offers a calm and tranquil environment, and with ample parking and convenient drop-off and pick-up points that are accommodating to diverse needs and requirements
More about Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
A five-level purpose-built facility, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre encompasses over 33,000 sqm of flexible multi-purpose function space in the heart of the iconic Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) precinct and has maintained its market leader status through ongoing and rigorous investment, maintenance and management expertise. Facilities include two Auditoria; Plenary Hall and Plenary Theatre, a Grand Ballroom, Banquet Hall, three Conference Halls, Meeting Rooms, eight Exhibition Halls and a standalone MarqE.
In 2021, The Centre is geared up with its extensive One-Stop Virtual Solution in its endeavour to keep businesses connected with its community and the wider world, in the new global business environment.
Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC)
Malaysia’s Largest Trade & Exhibition Centre, MITEC is trained to operate large scale business events as its core function, providing the operational support whilst the vaccination process is handled by the Jabatan Kesihatan Titiwangsa and Jabatan Kesihatan Manjalara (District Health Offices) under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). In maintaining the high levels of hygiene and strict SOPs for social distancing and crowd control especially with the presence of high-risk category of senior citizens, MITEC ensures the safety guidelines are in place and will be communicated throughout the process. There would only be one entrance and exit via the South Entrance and only confirmed registrations will be admitted. For the safety of everyone, walk-ins will not be permitted with only registered persons with appointments being allowed in one mega station that spans across two multi-function halls.
Each station was manned by an adequate number of personnel, all the way from the curb-side drop-off zone to the registration counter and inside the halls where jabs were given, as well as the area where vaccinated persons are put under observation before being allowed to go home. All venues are sanitised and cleaned daily to ensure the well-being of visitors. The vaccination centre (PPV) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) operates on a mega scale by increasing its daily capacity to up to 8,000 vaccine recipients starting June 7. All vaccine recipients expressed their satisfaction with the smooth vaccination process and excellent services, as every step of the process was well managed in comfortable environment, with recipients clearly guided by the many useful signboards and helpful volunteers on site.
For elderly and disabled, MITEC will provide amenities such as buggy pick-ups at the carpark, wheelchairs and special lanes. In addition, there were also food stalls as well as a selfie station outside the vaccination halls, for vaccine recipients to have a memorable memory as a brave and responsible Malaysian with a Malay sentence “Saya Sudah DIVAKSIN” which translated as I have been vaccinated.
More about MITEC
A majestic icon in Malaysia, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) offers over 51,000 sqm of event space, handling capacity like no other venue in the country with its 11 exhibition halls, one ballroom, 13 meeting rooms, two outdoor amphitheatres and two multipurpose rooms. As a premier venue business partner, MITEC’s facilities are continuously upgraded to stay ahead of its market demand through offering higher value customised client solutions and in-house expertise. In the new normal era, MITEC provides flexible spaces and innovative offerings for any physical, virtual or hybrid event. As a world-class operation, MITEC champions the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) Goal #3 to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all, providing secure and safe SOPs for visitors and exhibitors. MITEC is accessible via major expressways including DUKE (Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway), NKVE (North Klang Valley Expressway), SPRINT Highway and Jalan Kuching.
Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC)
Starting 7 June 2021, Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) is expected to give 3,000 doses daily and subsequently will reach to 8,000 per day. There are about 500 public servants, volunteers and medical personnel well positioned, in order to ensure a smooth flow of vaccination operations and enhance the comfort of the vaccine recipients. The centre has also displayed guides on special passages for people with disabilities and special needs and they would be escorted by volunteers from the designated drop-off area. In addition, parking fees at SCCC has also been waived for all vaccine recipients and volunteers.
More About SCCC
Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) is the 1st Convention Centre in Malaysia certified by Green Building Index (GBI) for its green technologies, techniques and daily operational practices. The elegant venue offers a comprehensive range of facilities for all types of business events, with a grand ballroom, 8 function halls and a unique green event lawn. Explore its elegant function rooms, virtual and hybrid studios to create endless possibility in your next events.
Setia SPICE Arena
Setia SPICE Arena is proud being appointed as the first mega AstraZeneca vaccination centre (PPV) in Penang from 7 June 2021, and would administer approximately 1,000 to 3,000 doses of vaccines daily. To facilitate proceedings at Setia SPICE Arena, a total of over 300 public servants, volunteers and medical personnel are deployed, among them are MyVac volunteers, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Civil Defence Force (APM), State Health Department (JKN), The People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA), Department of Youth and Sports (JBS), COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) and Barat Daya District Office. All visitors are advised to follow the SOPs for safety and secure environment, and all vaccination process going smooth with proper crowd control and the assistance of volunteers. The venue is easily accessible through Georgetown and Bayan Lepas via Jalan Tun Dr. Awang and Jalan Mahsuri, and equipped with ample parking space in the basement and a multi-storey carpark. Moreover, parking fees have also been waived for all vaccine recipients and volunteers at Setia SPICE Arena, and this community project is sponsored by S P Setia Berhad.
More About Setia SPICE Arena
The world’s first hybrid solar-powered building, Setia SPICE Convention Centre is the venue of choice to host your future events in Penang with a safe and cosy environment. The venue boasts a 4,000 sqm pillar-less ballroom with a maximum capacity of 8,000 theatre seating or banquet tables, a 1,800 sqm grand foyer and 13 function rooms. Atop the Centre is a 6-acre green rooftop garden, suitable for outdoor events. As a whole, the world class SPICE (Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre) development consists of the SPICE Convention Centre, SPICE Arena, SPICE Aquatic Centre, SPICE Canopy and a Business Class Hotel, featuring facilities for holistic healthy lifestyle, exchanging of knowledge, culture and information, business activities and sports activities.
Persada Johor International Convention Centre
In the record, 133,000 people are expected to receive their vaccination shots at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in stages starting from 7 June 2021. A total of 500 AstraZeneca vaccine doses are available for the first two days while 3,000 doses would be available daily from 9 June 2021 onwards. All recipients need to go through five stations, with a temperature and MySejahtera app check at the first station, followed by station two for registration, station three for consultation and authorisation, station four for vaccination and station five for 15 minutes to 30 minutes of observation. The facilities such as the parking lots, wheelchair lanes, waiting areas, as well as the security teams and volunteers on hand are helpful, making vaccine recipients feel comfortable and satisfied with the efficiency of the organised vaccination process.
More About Persada Johor International Convention Centre
Persada Johor International Convention Centre houses convention and exhibition halls, gallery level, auditorium and meeting rooms to host educational conferences, property fairs and sport events. The MICE facilities are flexible enough to accommodate set-ups of all sizes from 10 to 3,500 people and suit a wide range of budgets as well other requirements.
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK)
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) acts as one of the vaccination centres (PPVs) in Sarawak, and the vaccination process at the centre is being carried out quickly and organised. Helpful staffs and volunteers are doing an excellent job in the preparations and assisting those who want to receive their vaccine, offering an effective vaccination process to vaccine recipients. The BCCK vaccination centre will start administering Sinovac and Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines from 22 June 2021, which has been the venue for AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine inoculation since 7 June 2021.
More About BCCK
As the largest Convention centre in Sarawak, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) stands with 13,175 square metres of event space, ample parking areas, wide and high-ceilinged hallways, airy concourses and spacious rooms ranging from meeting rooms to large halls. BCCK will continue to take every safety precaution to safeguard the health and safety of the Centre’s staff and visitors.
MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC)
MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) operated as a vaccination center starting 14 June 2021, which is in line with the government’s commitment to ensure that the vaccination rate is consistent and to speed up the country’s vaccination programme. On the first day, MIECC is limited to 4,900 vaccine recipients out of a maximum capacity of 8,000 to ensure the smooth running of the programme, in compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
More About MIECC
Being the pioneer in the MICE industry, MIECC hosted a multitude of major events, both regional and internationally. The venue is made up of a total built up area of its building with approximately 1.2 million sqft and offers more than 8,000 pax in banquet seating capacity. MIECC is supported by a team of dedicated and dynamic professionals who are dedicated in providing their clients best solutions, support and services as well to assist any technical issues on site.
During these challenging time against COVID-19, both the public and private sectors have to work together to help the country achieve herd immunity and flatten the curve. The success in flattening the curve allows the government’s focus to shift from saving lives to saving livelihood. Hence, the optimal use of the capacity of every vaccination centre will be able to support the government’s initiative to have the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme rolled out at an accelerated pace.
Under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, everyone on duty has a specific task and they revealed pragmatism, endeavour and expertise, giving the best of their ability in supporting the movement towards accelerating the nation’s recovery. The volunteers and medical staff were of various races, culture and religion working together to serve selflessly, showing the precious diversity of our Malaysian society and have the capability and capacity to care for one another when it matters most. Malaysia Boleh!
As responsible Malaysian citizens, we have to accept with gratitude the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines in the interest of our health and for the wellbeing of others. Covid vaccines are the one beacon of hope we have in these dark days and those hesitating to get their shots ought to think about other people rather than themselves. Lastly, stay safe and always practise self-discipline and comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP), even after being vaccinated.
Note: All details presented are correct at press time