Story by Chan Lilian
Pix by Darwina Mohd. Daud
THE Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is a state bureau established in 2016 to develop the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang.
PCEB aims to position Penang as the preferred location for MICE activities in the region.
With its rich Unesco heritage, thriving multicultural society, state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant natural attractions, Penang offers a truly eclectic tropical experience.
According to PCEB chief executive officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran (pix), “Experiences Unfiltered” is PCEB’s brand campaign for Penang as a MICE destination.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was invited to the launch of the PCEB website at http://www.pceb.my/ .
He was also at the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s launch of two publications –the “Destination Experience Brochure” and the “Penang MICE Guide 2016-17” on April 15. “The MICE industry is a vital driver for Penang’s economy. According to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau or MyCEB, the estimated average spending of international business tourists visiting Penang for exhibitions in 2015 was US$3,500. Last year, the estimated national average spending of business tourists was RM7,000 per person compared to the individual traveller’s average spending of an estimated RM2,000,”Lim said in his speech. “Furthermore, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s ‘Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2015 Malaysia’ report, business travel spending is expected to grow by 10.2% in 2015 to RMR72.4 billion, and rise by 5% per annum to RM117.9 billion in 2025,” he added. “Destination Experience Brochure” is a stunning showcase of Penang’s finest. Complementing it is the “Penang MICE Guide 2016-17”. “PCEB has done a commendable job in bringing together the various venues that are available in Penang – both island and mainland – to publish the most comprehensive venue guide on Penang to date. I believe both these publications will serve as useful resources that will benefit the MICE industry partners and event organisers globally, thus driving Penang as the preferred MICE destination,” Lim said.