Section of old Istana Negara to be converted into MICE centre

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 19): A section of the old Istana Negara here will be converted into a meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) centre, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the proposal was approved at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.

A special committee from the Malaysian convention and exhibition bureau would be appointed to evaluate and study the proposal, she added.

"We will invite MICE representatives to study the implementation in which the existing dining area and hall would be utilised to minimise expenditure," Dr Ng said after launching the 1Malaysia Kesatria Programme Wednesday night.

She said Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim initially proposed the idea to preserve national history.

Meanwhile, 17 kesatria (knights) from various fields such as science and medicine, oil and gas, information technology and electronics, as well as research and innovation, have been appointed to promote the benefits of organising international conferences in Malaysia to their industry counterparts. — Bernama