KUALA LUMPUR, More than 11,000 delegates, including 10,000 professionals from overseas, are expected to attend the prestigious International Dragon Award (IDA) annual conference from Aug 9-12, 2024, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec). IDA, which is returning to Malaysia for the third time and after a lapse of 11 years, marks a significant annual gathering of members from the worldwide Chinese life insurance and financial services industry. The event will coincide with the 15th Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress and the 26th National Chinese Life Insurance Congress, both taking place at the same venue. Tourism Malaysia deputy director general Lee Tai Hung extended a warm invitation to all the participants, encouraging them to consider Malaysia for future events and gatherings. 'We have excellent facilities here that can accommodate all your needs. For instance, just last June, we hosted several significant congresses in the country,' he said during the pre-event press conference at Mitec today. Lee also expressed excitement about the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which will spotlight East Malaysia and attract more conferences and visitors to the country. According to a statement, the conference will feature nearly 120 distinguished speakers, including lecturers, scholars, and experts from financial insurance institutions, as well as senior leaders from insurance organisations. 'The four-day conference will host over 80 sessions and activities,' it said. Organised by IMM International, the event celebrates excellence in the life insurance and financial services industry, bringing together top professionals, industry leaders, and key figures from around the globe. 'The conference aims to inspire innovation, promote best practices and recognise outstanding achievements within the sector,' it said. The 10,000 international attendees are from Taiwan, China, Singapore, the United States, Macao, Canada, and other parts of the world. Notable speakers include Prudential Hong Kong Ltd chief executive officer (CEO) Lawrence Lam, Manulife International Ltd CEO Patrick Graham, Great Eastern Holdings Ltd group CEO Khor Hock Seng, and Hong Leong Assurance Malaysia group managing director Loh Guat Lan. 'They will discuss topics such as life experiences, lifelong careers in insurance, worldwide financial trends, talent development, world affairs, economic development, key practices in insurance operations, and future challenges and trends. 'The conference aims to enhance the professional skills and competencies of insurance practitioners worldwide and increase insurance awareness among the public,' the statement added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency