A Comparative Guide to Malaysia’s Top Exhibition Centres

by | May 5, 2025 | business

KLCC international convention center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

KLCC, MITEC, Setia SPICE & More

Malaysia’s rapid growth as a global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) hub is anchored by its world-class exhibition centres. From the iconic Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) to the sprawling Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), these venues cater to diverse needs—hosting a 10,000-delegate tech summit or a niche cultural expo. This article compares Malaysia’s five most prominent exhibition centres, analyzing their strengths, capacities, costs, and unique offerings to help businesses and organizers make informed decisions.

1. Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)

Location: Kuala Lumpur City Centre (adjacent to PETRONAS Twin Towers).
Capacity: 10,000+ attendees.
Key Features:

  • Exhibition Space: 93,000 sqft (8,600 sqm) of column-free halls.

  • Meeting Rooms: 21 rooms, including the 3,000-seat Plenary Hall.

  • Hybrid Capabilities: 5G connectivity, livestreaming studios.

  • Unique Selling Point (USP): Iconic location integrated with Suria KLCC mall, luxury hotels, and tourist attractions.

Best For: High-profile international events (e.g., ASEAN Summit, ITB Asia), premium product launches, and entertainment (concerts by Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran).
Cost: RM 15–RM 50 per sqft/day for exhibitions.

Pros:

  • Unmatched prestige and accessibility via LRT.

  • Sustainability certified (ISO 20121).

  • Seamless attendee experience with on-site hotels and dining.

Cons:

  • Limited space for mega-expos (max 10,000 attendees).

  • Higher rental rates compared to suburban venues.

2. Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC)

Location: Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Duta, near TRX Exchange).
Capacity: 70,000+ attendees.
Key Features:

  • Exhibition Space: 150,000 sqm (largest in Malaysia).

  • Plenary Theatre: Seats 5,000.

  • Logistics: 48 loading bays, direct MRT access (TRX Station, opening 2024).

  • USP: Unparalleled scale and flexibility for mega-events.

Best For: Industrial trade shows (e.g., Malaysia Autoshow, MIFF), mass consumer fairs, and conventions requiring vast floor space.
Cost: RM 10–RM 30 per sqft/day.

Pros:

  • Cost-effective for large-scale events.

  • Cutting-edge hybrid event infrastructure.

  • Ample parking (5,000+ spaces).

Cons:

  • Less central than KLCC; fewer nearby hotels.

  • Impersonal ambiance due to sheer size.

3. Setia SPICE Convention Centre & Arena (Penang)

Location: Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Capacity: 12,000 attendees.
Key Features:

  • Exhibition Space: 35,000 sqft (3,250 sqm).

  • Arena: 5,000 seats for concerts and sports.

  • USP: Integrated with a retail mall and Penang’s tech corridor.

Best For: Regional tech expos (e.g., Penang International Tech Summit), medical conferences, and entertainment (e.g., Disney on Ice).
Cost: RM 8–RM 20 per sqft/day.

Pros:

  • Proximity to Penang Airport (15 minutes).

  • Compact, easy-to-navigate layout.

  • Lower costs compared to KL venues.

Cons:

  • Limited international appeal beyond ASEAN.

  • Smaller capacity restricts mega-events.

4. Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK)

Location: Kuching, Sarawak.
Capacity: 10,000 attendees.
Key Features:

  • Exhibition Space: 5,000 sqm.

  • Grand Ballroom: 3,000 seats with Sarawak River views.

  • USP: Cultural immersion with Borneo’s indigenous heritage.

Best For: Eco-tourism forums (e.g., Rainforest World Music Festival), government summits, and regional trade shows.
Cost: RM 7–RM 15 per sqft/day.

Pros:

  • Unique rainforest and riverfront setting.

  • Strong support for local cultural showcases.

  • Budget-friendly for mid-sized events.

Cons:

  • Remote location; limited international flights.

  • Outdated tech infrastructure compared to KL venues.

5. Johor International Convention Centre (JICC)

Location: Johor Bahru, Iskandar Malaysia.
Capacity: 5,000 attendees.
Key Features:

  • Exhibition Space: 3,000 sqm.

  • Grand Ballroom: 2,000 seats.

  • USP: Proximity to Singapore (20-minute drive to Woodlands).

Best For: Cross-border corporate events, Singaporean spillover conferences, and SME expos.
Cost: RM 5–RM 12 per sqft/day.

Pros:

  • Cost-effective for Singapore-based companies.

  • Modern facilities with JB-SG transport links.

Cons:

  • Limited brand recognition globally.

  • Smaller space was unsuitable for large conventions.

Comparison Table: Key Metrics

Venue Capacity Exhibition Space Cost (RM/sqft/day) Best For
KLCC 10,000+ 93,000 sqft 15–50 Global summits, luxury events
MITEC 70,000+ 150,000 sqm 10–30 Mega trade shows, industrial expos
Setia SPICE 12,000 35,000 sqft 8–20 Regional tech/medical events
BCCK 10,000 5,000 sqm 7–15 Cultural, eco-tourism events
JICC 5,000 3,000 sqm 5–12 Cross-border SME events

5 FAQs About Malaysia’s Exhibition Centres

1. Which is the largest exhibition centre in Malaysia?
MITEC is the largest, with 150,000 sqm of space—ideal for events like the Malaysia Autoshow or International Furniture Fair. KLCC, while iconic, is better suited for premium, mid-sized gatherings.

2. Which venue is best for international delegates?
KLCC leads due to its central location, luxury hotels, and global prestige. Its integration with the PETRONAS Towers and Suria KLCC mall enhances the attendee experience.

3. Which is the most budget-friendly option?
JICC in Johor Bahru offers the lowest rental rates (RM 5–12/sqft/day), making it ideal for SMEs and Singapore-based companies.

4. How do I choose between KLCC and MITEC?

  • KLCC: Choose for prestige, convenience, and high-profile events.

  • MITEC: Opt for massive exhibitions requiring affordability and space.

5. Are these venues equipped for hybrid events?
Yes. KLCC and MITEC lead in hybrid tech, offering livestreaming studios and 10 Gbps internet. BCCK and Setia SPICE provide basic hybrid support.

Case Study: Event Success Stories

  • KLCC: Hosted the World Congress on Innovation & Technology 2023, attracting 8,000 delegates from 100+ countries.

  • MITEC: The Malaysia Autoshow 2023 drew 200,000 visitors, leveraging MITEC’s vast space for test-drive zones.

  • BCCK: The Rainforest World Music Festival fused indigenous performances with eco-tourism, drawing 20,000+ attendees.

Key Trends Shaping Malaysia’s MICE Industry

  1. Sustainability: KLCC and MITEC prioritize green practices (solar energy, zero-waste events).

  2. Hybrid Events: Post-pandemic demand for virtual participation is rising.

  3. Regional Focus: Penang (Setia SPICE) and Sarawak (BCCK) target niche markets like tech and eco-tourism.

Conclusion

Choosing the right exhibition centre in Malaysia depends on your event’s scale, audience, and budget. KLCC reigns supreme for global prestige and luxury, while MITEC dominates in size and affordability. Setia SPICE and BCCK offer unique advantages for regional or cultural events, whereas JICC bridges the Singapore-Malaysia business corridor. You can ensure a successful, impactful event in Malaysia’s dynamic MICE landscape by aligning your needs with each venue’s strengths.