DRAFT

MALAYSIAN DMS 2765-1:2024

STANDARD STAGE: PUBLIC COMMENT (40.20)

DATE: 15/12/2023 – 14/2/2024

Business Events - Part 1: Convention, Exhibition

Centre and Event Space - Requirements

ICS: 03.100;03.080.30;03.080.20
Descriptors: Services, services for consumers, professional services

© Copyright 2024

DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA

DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIAN STANDARDS

The Department of Standards Malaysia is the national standards and accreditation body of Malaysia.

The main function of the Department of Standards Malaysia is to foster and promote standards,
standardisation and accreditation as a means of advancing the national economy, promoting industrial
efficiency and development, benefitting the health and safety of the public, protecting the consumers,
facilitating domestic and international trade and furthering international cooperation in relation to
standards and standardisation. The use of Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so far as they are
made mandatory by regulatory authorities by means of regulations, local by-laws or any other similar
ways.

Malaysian Standards are developed through consensus by committees which comprise balanced
representation of producers, users, consumers and others with relevant interests, as may be appropriate
to the subject at hand. The development of a standard as a Malaysian Standard is governed by the
Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 [Act 549]. Section 18A of the act stipulated that, all Malaysian Standards
are owned by the Government of Malaysia and no part of a Malaysian Standard can be reproduced in
any form without the written permission of the Director General.

For further information on Malaysian Standards, please contact:

Department of Standards Malaysia

Level 4 – 7, Tower 2,
Menara Cyber Axis Jalan Impact, Cyber 6
63000 Cyberjaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
MALAYSIA

Tel: 60 3 8008 2900

Fax: 60 3 8008 2901
http://www.jsm.gov.my
E-mail: central@jsm.gov.my
 DMS 2765-1:2024

Contents

Page

1 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references ...................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................... 1
4 Prerequisite entry requirements ...................................................................................... 3
5 Requirements .................................................................................................................. 3
6 Other requirements ......................................................................................................... 9

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DMS 2765-1:2024

Committee representation

The National Standards Committee on Tourism and Culture (NSC 20) under whose authority this Malaysian Standard
was developed, comprises representatives from the following organisations:

ASEAN Tourism Research Association

Association of Tourism Training Institutes of Malaysia
Department of Standards Malaysia (Secretariat)
Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia
Islamic Tourism Centre
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Malaysian Association of Hotels
Malaysian Association of Standard Users
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council
Malaysian Tropical Environment Adventure and Fellowship Society
Marine Department Malaysia
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
Ministry of Housing and Local Government
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
Ministry of Youth and Sports

The Technical Committee on Business Events (NSC 20/TC 2) which supervised the development of this Malaysian
Standard consists of representatives from the following organisations:

Business Events Sarawak

Department of National Heritage
Department of Occupational Safety and Health
Department of Standards Malaysia (Secretariat)
Istana Budaya
Johor Convention Exhibition Bureau
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers
Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers Youth
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners
Malaysian Association of Hotels
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council
Ministry of Local Government Development of Malaysia
National Department for Culture and Arts
Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Sabah Tourism Board
Universiti Teknologi MARA

The Working Group Committee on Business Events Venue (NSC 20/TC 2/WG 1) which developed this Malaysian
Standard consists of representatives from the following organisations:

Arts, Live Festival and Events Association

Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
Business Events Sarawak
Department of Standards Malaysia (Secretariat)
Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia
Johor Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Johor Convention Exhibition Bureau
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre
Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers
Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers Youth
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners
Malaysian Association of Hotels
MARDI Corporation Sdn Bhd
Ministry of Local Government Development of Malaysia

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 DMS 2765-1:2024

Committee representation (continued)

The Working Group Committee on Business Events Venue (NSC 20/TC 2/WG 1) which developed this Malaysian
Standard consists of representatives from the following organisations:

Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau

Persada Johor International Convention Centre
Sabah International Convention Centre
Setia SPICE Convention Centre
World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur

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DMS 2765-1:2024

Foreword

This Malaysian Standard was developed by the Working Group on Business Events Venue
under the authority of the Tourism and Culture National Standards Committee (NSC 20).

MS 2765 consists of the following parts under the general title, Business Events:

Part 1: Convention, Exhibition Centre and Event Space

Part 2: Professional Congress Organiser (PCO)

Part 3: Professional Exhibition Organiser (PEO)

Compliance with a Malaysian Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

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 DMS 2765-1:2024

Business Events - Part 1: Convention, Exhibition Centre and Event

Space - Requirements

1 Scope
This Malaysian Standard specifies the general requirements of the Convention Centre,
Exhibition Centre and Event Space, outlining the general requirements for these spaces
encompassing the physical setting, technology and services. This standard serves as a
guideline for Business Events stakeholders, entrepreneurs, relevant authoritative bodies, and
interested parties engaged in the Business Events industry.

2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.

MS ISO 25639-1, Exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions – Part 1: Vocabulary

3 Terms and definitions

For the purpose of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
breakout room
series of smaller meeting spaces for a concurrent session(s) alongside the main function

3.2
convention centre
permanent facility used primarily for meetings, conferences and exhibitions

3.3
customer relationship management (CRM)
CRM is a system or a strategic approach and set of practices that business use to manage and
nurture their interactions with customer. it involves technology, processes, improve customer
satisfaction to enhance business relationship. by implementing a CRM system, businesses can
effortlessly stay connected with their customers, streamline processes, and ultimately increase
profitability

3.4
environmental, social and governance (ESG)
ESG is a framework designed to be embedded into an organisation strategy that considers the
needs and ways in which to generate value for all organisational stakeholders (such as
employees, customers and suppliers and financiers)

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DMS 2765-1:2024

3.5
event space
event space is a designated area or venue that is specifically designed and equipped to host
various types of events. It may vary in terms of size, layout, amenities, ambiance, catering to
the diverse needs of different occasions. Such areas may include indoor and outdoor with a
minimum built-in facility. Any venues or space that does not meet the standard of a
convention/conference centre and exhibition centre will be known as event space

3.6
exhibition centre
permanent facility used primarily for exhibitions. Normally, an exhibition centre offers meeting
amenities conveniently located on-site

3.7
facility
individual convention centre or exhibition centre, or event space

3.8
facility operator
entity responsible for the facility's installation, operation, maintenance, replacement, and
modification

3.9
floor loading
floor loading refers to the maximum amount of weight or load that a floor or structure can safely
support without causing damage or compromising its integrity. It is usually calculated in tonne
per square metre. it is sometimes also known as a live load

3.10
floor service
building utility services include water connection, drainage, electricity and network connection,
and accommodating mechanical equipment available on every floor through trench or floor pit

3.11
plenary hall
space for all conference or meeting participants to assemble for a plenary session or plenum

3.12
property management system (PMS)
system that enables a property/venue to manage front-office capabilities, such as booking
reservations, room assignment, managing room rates, and billing

3.13
rigging
hanging system refers to the hardware used and the action of suspending and securing objects,
including signage, banners, lighting, temporary walls, and other items from a function room's
ceiling

3.14
sustainable development goals (SDG)
SDG represents the Global Goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a
universal call to action to end poverty and protect the planet

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 DMS 2765-1:2024

4 Prerequisite entry requirements

For convention centres, exhibition centres, and event spaces to operate/provide their
services, the facility operator shall have to fulfil all statutory and other obligations relating to:

a) Registration of the facility operator with Companies’ Commission of Malaysia (SSM)

b) Business license issued by local authorities

c) Relevant permits issued by local authorities/agencies (where applicable)

d) Appropriate insurance (public liability and building)

4.1 Sustainability

The facility operator shall subscribe to Environmental Social Governance (ESG) practices
and/or Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

5 Requirements

5.1 Physical Setting

Requirements on the physical setting of convention centre, exhibition centre and event space
shall be followed as described in Table 1.

Table 1. Requirements on the physical setting of convention centre, exhibition centre

and event space

Item Features Convention Exhibition Centre Event Space

Centre
5.1.1 Reception / a) Dedicated reception counter at the lobby Have the
Information b) To be manned during operational hours directory of the
Counter c) The events of the day directory is events of the
available day.

5.1.2 Registration A mobile a) A mobile registration A mobile

Counter registration area area in the foyer. registration
in the foyer. area.
b) A dedicated services
counter for internal
and external services
is available.

Recommended Have a permanent event registration counter Not Required

with adequate power outlets and PA system
access.

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DMS 2765-1:2024

Table 1. Requirements on the physical setting of convention centre, exhibition centre

and event space (continued)

5.1.3 Signages a) Sub direction signages

b) Individual venue signage
c) Emergency and exit signs are visible and permanent

5.1.4 Capacity Able to fit a Able to fit a minimum of Able to fit a

minimum of 100 150 booths (9 square minimum of 30
banquet tables or metres each). banquet tables.
1,000 theatre
seating.

Recommended Plenary Hall/ Not Required

Auditorium
5.1.5 VIP Holding A dedicated VIP holding room conveniently VIP holding
Room located near the entrance or main hall, room is
complete with its attached washroom. available.

5.1.6 Washroom Adequate washrooms are available according to building

statutory requirements, at the same level of event rooms.
Disabled washroom is available.

5.1.7 Breakout Total of breakout Total of breakout rooms Additional

Rooms rooms area is area is 20% of the rooms are
50% of the existing largest available.
existing largest exhibition hall size.
function room
size.

5.1.8 Foyer Space A minimum of 20% of the saleable event area Not Required.
is allocated for foyer space.

5.1.9 Supporting a) parenting a) parenting room A multi-purpose

Rooms room b) medical room room as
b) medical c) organiser office supporting
room media centre
room.
c) organiser
office
d) media centre
e) speaker
room

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 DMS 2765-1:2024

Table 1. Requirements on the physical setting of convention centre, exhibition centre

and event space (continued)

Item Features Convention Centre Exhibition Centre Event Space

5.1.10 Parking a) Shall have either a dedicated or shared Have either a
parking area(s) within walking distance and dedicated or
disability parking spaces shared
b) Coach parking parking
c) Convenient electric charging points for area(s) within
Electric Vehicle (EV) walking
distance and
disability
parking
spaces.
5.1.11 Prayer Room Dedicated segregated room with ablution Not
facility. Required.

5.1.12 Accessibility a) Partial access for disabled Not

b) Multi entrance(s) and exit(s) Required.
c) Available covered drop off and pick up at
entrance/exit

Recommended Public transportation is available within walking distance

5.1.13 Medical a) First aid kits First aid kits
Facilities b) automated external defibrillator AED facility and AED
is available facility
c) Trained Emergency Response Team (ERT)
staffs on-site

Recommended a) Dedicated medical room is available Trained first-

b) Medical facility is available within the aid
compound knowledge
staffs
5.1.14 Loading Area Shared general a) Shared general Functional
loading area, loading area, loading area
separate from public separate from
public entrance(s).
entrance(s).
b) Marshalling yard
available within one
(1) kilometre(km).

5.1.15 Rigging Have static rigging points available with a Have static
minimum load of 250 kilograms (kg). rigging points
for
permanent
stage.

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DMS 2765-1:2024

Table 1. Requirements on the physical setting of convention centre,

exhibition centre and event space (continued)

Item Features Convention Centre Exhibition Centre Event Space

5.1.16 Floor Loading Floor loading with aFloor loading with a Not Required.
minimum of 500 minimum of one (1)
kilograms (kg) per tonne per square
square metre (sqm). metre (sqm).
5.1.17 Power Provide adequate 3- Provide a minimum Provide adequate
phase power. of 0.2 amps per 3-phase power.
square metre for an
exhibition.
Have a back-up power (generator set) for emergency utilities
services.

5.1.18 Ventilation Well maintained and regular scheduled maintenance.

Recommended a) Self-controlled air-cond temperature.

b) Sanitised air circulation treatment.

5.1.19 Floor Services Water connection, drainage, electricity and Not Required.
network connection available on every floor.

A floor pit shall be A floor trench shall Not Required.

available. be available.

5.1.20 Facilities Regular scheduled building maintenance. Scheduled

Maintenance maintenance
(Where
appropriate).

5.1.21 Food A permanent in- A dedicated, clean and adequate food

Preparation house kitchen area. preparation area.
Area

5.1.22 Security and a) sufficient CCTV a) emergency

Safety b) access control room exit and plan
c) emergency response plan (ERP) b) firefighting
d) firefighting equipment and system equipment
e) proper emergency route c) assembly
f) assembly point point
5.1.23 Waste Disposal A dedicated waste disposal area.

5.1.24 Lighting Have different lighting mode for various Have appropriate
events’ requirements. lighting.

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 DMS 2765-1:2024

5.2 Technology

Requirements on the technology of convention centre, exhibition centre and event space as
described in Table 2.

Table 2. Requirements on the technology of convention centre, exhibition centre and

event space

Item Features Convention Exhibition Event Space

Centre Centre
5.2.1 WiFi Equip with WiFi network and infrastructure readiness.

5.2.2 Internet Service Provide at least two (2) Internet service Provide at least one
Provider providers. (1) Internet service
provider.

5.2.3 Dedicated Provide local area network (LAN) point Provide local area
Internet Port at every saleable room(s). network (LAN)
point.
5.2.4 Audio Visual All meeting rooms and exhibition halls Have the availability
Equipment should have standard built-in audio- of mobile AV
visual (AV) equipment. equipment for hire.

5.2.5 Customer Digitalised CRM system for the internal Not Required
Relationship team with the following features:
Management a) Booking Management
(CRM) System / b) Client Management
Property c) Event Management
Management d) Finance Management
System (PMS) e) Asset Management

5.2.6 Customer A proper system to monitor the overall A basic system to

Feedback/ customer service levels through monitor the overall
Service customer feedback/survey. customer service
levels.

5.2.7 Website Comprehensive details of the venue, Basic and updated

upcoming events, update information, information of the
and interactive feature(s). venue.

5.2.8 Social media Active and interactive social media accounts.

accounts

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DMS 2765-1:2024

5.3 Services

Requirements on the services of convention centre, exhibition centre and event space as
described in Table 3.

Table 3. Requirements on the services of convention centre, exhibition centre and

event space

Item Features Convention Exhibition Centre Event Space

Centre
5.3.1 Halal Have halal- a) Attain halal Able to
Certification certified certification if the recommend
permanent in- in-house kitchen halal-certified
is available.
house kitchen. caterers for their
b) Engage halal-
certified caterers if clients.
only a food
preparation area
is available.

5.3.2 Food Safety At least Hazard At least Hazard Not Required.

Management Analysis Critical Analysis Critical
System Control Point Control Point
(HACCP) (HACCP) certification
certification if the kitchen is
facility with available.
kitchens.

5.3.3 Housekeeping / Have regularly scheduled housekeeping/ Have cleaning

Cleaning cleaning services within the premises. services for
Services public areas.

5.3.4 Security Have a security team led by trained and Have an

experienced security personnel. essential
security.
5.3.5 Sustainability Have developed and adopted Not required.
sustainability policy and procedures and
set goal(s) to minimise the effects of its
business activities on the environment.

5.3.6 Technical Have standby technician(s), i.e. Audio- Have skilled

Support visual, information technology, technicians on
maintenance, and safety during the event. hire.

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 DMS 2765-1:2024

Table 3. Requirements on the services of convention centre, exhibition centre and

event space (continued)

Item Features Convention Exhibition Centre Event Space

Centre
5.3.7 Human Have a systematic staff development Provide staff
Resources programme or plan and provide staff uniforms and
uniforms and identification. identification.

5.3.8 Risk Have the ability to conduct an event risk Recommended

Management assessment, and a complete crisis implementing
management plan is in place in the event similar risk
management.
of a crisis.

6 Other requirements

6.1 Certification and training

6.1.1 Certification and training shall be maintained through the recognised Professional
Certification Programme or equivalent as stated in Annex A.

6.2 Affiliation

The facility shall have affiliate membership with the national business events association.

6.3 Competency of staff

There shall be a minimum of 20% certified staff among the client servicing division, i.e. event,
marketing and sales, that is certified from any of the recognised Professional Certification
Programme (as stated in Annex A) to ensure the effective operation of the facility.

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DMS 2765-1:2024

Annex A
(normative)

The recognised Professional Certification Programme

The example of recognised Professional Certification Programme in Malaysia are as follows:

a) Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS)

Congress Certification Programme (CCP)

b) Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS)

Exhibition Management Programme (EMP)

c) Total Event Management (TEM) by Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition

Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS)

d) International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Certified Exhibition

Management (CEM)

e) Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) UFI Certified Professional (UCP)

f) Meeting Professional International (MPI) - Certification in Meeting Management (CMM)

g) International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) - Meetings Master

Class and Membership

h) International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ICCA Skills

i) The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) education program

i) Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Digital Event Strategist (DES)

NOTE. CCP and EMP are recognised by the Events Industry Council (EIC)

10 © DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA 2024 - All rights reserved

Acknowledgements
Members of Working Group on Business Events Venue (NSC 20/ TC 2/ WG 1)
Mr Francis Teo Kok Pheng (Chairperson)
Ms Nor Jalilah binti Md Yusop/
Ms Nurul Nadirah binti Sabri (Secretary)
Mr Dylan Redas Noel
Ms Nor Azamimah binti Ahmad Azam
Ms Norlisma Fetriha binti Molian
Ms Haryati binti Md Haidar
Ms Tan Mei Phing
Ms Tan Lay Teng
Ms Aini Marlina binti Abd Halim
Ms Chin Jin Yi
Mr Shaharuddin bin M Saaid
Mr Muhamad Haswan bin Hassim
Mr Mohd Yamin bin Mohd Zainal
Ms Fathiah Jamili Pahmi binti Mohamed
Ishak
Ms Siti Sarah binti Ismail
Mr Rajendran A/L Raman
Ms Natalia Nadirah binti Saiman
Mr Roslan bin Omar
Dato' Sri Dr. Irmohizam bin Ibrahim
© DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA 2024 - All rights reserved
Malaysian Association of Convention and
Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers
Department of Standards Malaysia
Business Event Sarawak
Johor Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition
Centre
Malaysian Association of Convention and
Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners
Malaysian Association of Hotels
MARDI Corporation Sdn Bhd
Ministry of Local Government Development of
Malaysia
Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Persada Johor International Convention
Centre
Sabah International Convention Centre
Setia SPICE Convention Centre
World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur
Co-opted members:
Ms Sivapreeyah A/P Sathianarayanan
Mr Muhammad Faisal bin Jusoh
Ms Norazlina binti Othman
Ms Hidayatul ‘Ein binti Mohamad Azmi
Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani bin Daud
Mr Noor Ahmad bin Hamid
Mr Gavin Foo Eng Liang
Ms Diana Lee Geok Chin
Ms Normegawati binti Sapian
Dr Norol Hamiza binti Zamzuri
Ms Nur Farhana binti Mohd Sah
© DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA 2024 - All rights reserved
Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd
Department of Occupational Safety and Health
Malaysia
Department of National Heritage
National Department for Culture and Arts
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Malaysian Association of Wellness & SPA
Malaysia Tourist Guides Council
Sabah Tourism Board
Universiti Teknologi MARA
© Copyright 2024
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing
from the Department of Standards Malaysia.