An Award for Journalistic Excellence in Business Events

Online, May 22, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian MICE Journalism Awards (MMJA) is back for the second time and media practitioners such as journalists, producers and writers are now invited to send in their entries.

The prestigious MMJA is held annually to recognize and honour journalistic excellence in business events in Malaysia.

MMJA is the initiative of Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) and is jointly supported by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) and Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

"The inaugural MMJA which was held last year was indeed a huge success as we received more than 30 entries from media professionals across Malaysia. MMJA is an opportunity for Sarawak Convention Bureau and all our partners to honour members of media for their support in successfully positioning Sarawak and Malaysia as an internationally renowned destination for business events," said Managing Director of SCB Mike Cannon.

Cannon said this is evident through the recent International Convention and Conference (IICA) Global Ranking where Malaysia maintained its position as the top 10 venue for business events in Asia Pacific.

"Many are not aware of the economic impact of MICE or business events industry to Malaysia. In 2011 alone, MICE contributed more than RM17 billion in visitors spending to the economy. The in-depth reports and write-ups by the media will help us to continuously create a better understanding among the public the tremendous potential of this industry. Therefore, we encourage more participation from members of media for this year's MMJA 2012."

Entries are open to all full-time print, online and broadcast journalists. Applicants will be vying for top prizes in two categories this year: MICE in Malaysia and MICE in Sarawak (Best Print/Best Broadcast/ Best Online Special Report)

To qualify, reports must be published or aired between 15 August 2011 and 30 August 2012. Closing date for entries is on 5 September 2012. Winners will be announced in October 2012.

Malaysian Press Institute Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chamil Wariya said the winners would be selected based on two key criteria.

"Articles or broadcast reports should include in-depth research on business events in Malaysia. Additionally the reports should also help create awareness and better understanding about business events by highlighting the support given by the industry players."

Chamil added that there will be three finalists for each category and a panel of judges comprising of senior editors from various media agencies will select the winners.

Winners of each category will receive an all paid convention package worth RM10, 000 which can be used to attend any journalism conference of their choice, plus RM 2,000 in cash.

Last year, Chin Mui Yoon from The Star bagged the Best Special Report (Print Category) for her article 'Welcoming the World'. For the Best Special Report (Broadcast Category)
Norzainah Zainal Abidin from Astro Awani won for her series of special reports on MICE in Sarawak and Nursyazana Zulhimi from Bernama TV won for the Special Category (MICE in Sarawak)

To obtain contest forms and to see samples of entries, interested applicants are advised to visit the official website of MMJA at www.mmjaward.com.