Now the APEC 2020 has set the benchmark for New Zealand, which has revealed plans to also host next year’s summit virtually.
Pulling off the summit as the country battled Covid-19 was no easy feat, but it was made possible by the APEC 2020 National Secretariat.
The secretariat was driven by international trade and industry ministry (Miti) officials who worked closely with representatives from various ministries, government agencies and the private sector.
Miti had been keeping close tabs on Covid-19 since January, before the country went into lockdown, and even prepared videos on social distancing and regular hand washing as delegates visited the country.
Foreign delegates were given health declaration forms upon arrival while hotels were told to screen their guests, provide face masks and hand sanitisers.
In February, delegates who could not travel were able to attend APEC meetings virtually.
Later, Miti proposed that APEC 2020 be held virtually and Putrajaya gave the green light, with Celcom Axiata Bhd playing a big role in ensuring digital meetings went smoothly.
Miti head of communications Zuhaila Akmar Mohd Sedek described the experience as “very challenging but rewarding”.
“Despite the situation, it provided us an opportunity to showcase our true capabilities. There were some ups and downs, but we picked ourselves up pretty well and established the idea that safeguarding the economy must be of top priority, apart from ensuring the well-being of the people.
“This is the central message during APEC meetings and there is a need to continue this discussion at the regional level,” said Zuhaila.
The challenges also included splitting the various meetings into two time slots, one in the morning and one at night, to cater to delegates in eight different time zones.
Miti senior principal assistant director (Strategic Trade Secretariat) Mega Marissa Abdul Malek said the success of the summit boiled down to getting the smallest details right.
“Our team is no stranger to organising events but when it comes to a virtual summit this big, it’s all about planning and it covers every aspect,” said Marissa.
“We even prepared storyboards right down to the seconds to ensure the speakers have the opportunity to speak.”
Miti said they were ready to share their experiences with New Zealand to ensure a successful virtual APEC next year.
On Nov 20, Malaysia is set to convene leaders from 21 APEC economies for the first virtual APEC Economic Leaders Meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Malaysia, a founding member of APEC established in 1989, is hosting the regional forum for the second time after hosting it in 1998.
This year’s theme is “Optimising Human Potential Towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity: Pivot. Prioritise. Progress”.
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