PENANG’s Business Events (BE) industry continues to play a strategic role in driving high-value growth, global connectivity and innovation, said State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai at the 9th edition of BE@Penang 2025.
Speaking at the event held at Setia SPICE Convention Centre on Dec 11, Wong said the conference reflects Penang’s unwavering commitment to the Penang2030 Vision, which places people-centric, sustainable and smart development at the heart of the state’s progress.
“This conference holds special significance for Penang.
“It reflects our state’s unwavering commitment to the Penang2030 Vision, a people-centric roadmap to build a family-focused, green, and smart state that inspires the nation,” he said.
Wong highlighted that the Business Events industry is more than a platform for meetings and exhibitions, describing it as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, investment, talent development and global collaboration.
“The Business Events industry has long been a high-value and high-impact pillar for Penang.
“Every discussion, partnership and idea shared in this room contributes to Penang’s growth as a hub of excellence in Malaysia and across the Asia Pacific region,” he said.
He added that Penang’s tourism and business events sectors have always progressed in synergy, positioning the state not merely as a destination to visit, but as one that transforms people, ideas and industries.
A key factor supporting this growth, Wong said, is Penang’s expanding air connectivity, with direct links now established to 20 international cities, alongside additional charter services to several destinations in China.
“These routes are not just flight paths; they are pathways for ideas, investments, talent, and friendships.
“They are signals of confidence in Penang, and in what we can achieve together,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wong revealed that Penang Global Tourism has been tasked with engaging airlines in China to explore new route opportunities for 2026, underscoring the state’s continued focus on strengthening international connectivity.
As global access improves, he noted that Penang’s hospitality landscape is also undergoing significant transformation, with numerous new hotels and major developments either recently opened or in the pipeline, reflecting strong investor confidence in the state’s tourism ecosystem.
“The conversations you will have at BE @ Penang 2025 matter, because ideas born here will grow into collaborations, products, solutions, and opportunities,” Wong said, adding that such engagements are crucial to building a more inclusive and sustainable Penang.
He concluded by urging participants to embrace the event’s theme, “To Be the Wave”, as a call to inspire change, drive innovation and shape the future of the industry.
The event was organised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), with its chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran also present at the conference.
Story by Kevin Vimal