Malaysia Books Sweden-based Design & Health Meeting
November 21, 2011
Malaysia recently booked the 8th Design & Health World Congress & Exhibition in 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The five-day congress will explore the latest research findings on the relationship between the built environment and human health, wellbeing and quality of life with a focus on the Asian, African and Middle Eastern emerging economies.
Organized by the International Academy for Design and Health headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the Congress has never been to Malaysia before.
It is expected to attract 1,000 delegates and generate an estimated USD3.5 million in economic impact.
“The selection of Malaysia as the destination for the congress was based on the government’s commitment to improve health of its people and the country’s health facilities,” said Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin, Deputy Health Minister of Malaysia.
He added, “With much emphasis on transforming the people’s mindset to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and not just paying attention to physical health aspects, this is what the country needs to move forward and compete in the world stage in any fields.”
Led by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the competitive bid was supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health and Public Works Department.
The Malaysian Institute of Architects, Public Health Physician Association of Malaysia and the International Islamic University Malaysia have also committed their support as event partners.
“Asian countries such as Malaysia, which is targeting to become a developed nation by year 2020, has recognised that progressive societies aiming to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth must also be healthy societies,” said Professor Alan Dilani, director-general of IADH.
He added, “Growing awareness of the importance of health promotion and the need to invest in healthy and sustainable public, social, institutional and domestic infrastructure is placing the country at the forefront of opportunity and the leading edge of change.”
The Design & Health Congress is part of a larger effort by MyCEB, which has launched a specialist unit known as the International Events Unit that focuses on identifying and supporting international event bids including sports, art and culture and lifestyle events.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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