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Get to know PCMA Member Mala Dorasamy, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC)
1. What initially led you to becoming involved with PCMA?
My involvement with PCMA grew from a desire to connect more deeply with the global business events community and to continue learning from leaders who are shaping its future.
Having built my career across South Africa and Malaysia, I have experienced first-hand how business events transcend borders. They bring people, industries and ideas together, stimulate economic activity and create opportunities that can extend well beyond the event itself. PCMA’s global outlook and emphasis on education, innovation and meaningful impact strongly resonated with me.
I was also attracted by the opportunity to contribute an Asia Pacific perspective shaped by my experience of leading a major international trade and exhibition centre. Joining the PCMA Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Board has allowed me to participate in important conversations about how our region can strengthen its voice, competitiveness and contribution to the global business events industry.
2. How has your career developed as a result of being a PCMA member?
PCMA has broadened both my professional perspective and my leadership network. It has connected me with an international community of people who are willing to exchange ideas openly, challenge established thinking and learn from one another.
As CEO of the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, I must constantly look beyond the immediate operational demands of running a venue. PCMA helps me remain connected to wider developments affecting our industry, from changing delegate expectations and event technology to sustainability, talent development, thought leadership and the growing demand for measurable impact.
Serving on the Advisory Board has also strengthened my conviction that leadership is not only about managing an organisation; it is about helping to shape the industry around us. It has given me a platform to share Malaysia’s story, contribute the perspective of a venue leader and advocate for greater collaboration across Asia Pacific.
Most importantly, it reminds me that learning never ends. Regardless of our title or experience, we grow when we remain curious, listen to different perspectives and are prepared to evolve.
3. Why would you tell others it is important to be involved in PCMA?
Our industry cannot progress through organisations or individuals working in isolation. PCMA provides a professional community in which ideas, knowledge and relationships can move across sectors and borders.
I would encourage others to become involved because PCMA offers more than networking. It gives members access to global thinking while creating opportunities to contribute locally and regionally. It helps us anticipate change, learn from diverse markets and understand how business events can deliver economic, intellectual and social value.
For younger professionals, it provides exposure to experienced leaders and a wider view of the career possibilities within our industry. For established leaders, it creates a responsibility to share knowledge, mentor others and help build the next generation.
I have always believed in the principle, “Think Global, Act Local.” PCMA brings that principle to life: we learn from a global community and then translate those insights into actions that strengthen our organisations, destinations and people.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
My free time is centred on family, reflection and maintaining a sense of balance. I enjoy spending meaningful time with my husband and children, travelling and experiencing different cultures, food and ways of life.
I also value quiet time, yoga, reading, practising mindfulness and simply creating space to think. Leadership can be demanding, and these moments help me reconnect with what is important and return with renewed clarity and gratitude.
Wherever possible, I enjoy mentoring and encouraging others, particularly women and young professionals. Seeing someone discover their confidence and potential is deeply fulfilling. For me, giving back is not separate from life or leadership; it is part of how I try to live both.