DIGITAL transformation is an integral part of today’s competitive era and it is no longer viewed as a makeshift approach across industries that define the country’s economy.
The hospitality industry, like any other, underwent significant changes in recent years, where digitalisation was adopted to ensure the business was carried out as usual.
In view of this trending talk and the need to ensure key industry players stay relevant, the Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBha) Penang chapter organised a conference, called the Hospitality Transformation Conference today.
The conference was focused to bring together industry players, especially hoteliers and business owners that support the operations at hotels in Malaysia.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who was present to officiate the conference, thanked MyBha Penang for creating an opportunity for industry experts to explore the changing landscape of the hospitality industry, as well as to discuss the innovative strategies and technologies to complement the current transformation.
“From the rise of online booking platforms and the proliferation of social media to the growing importance of sustainability and the evolving expectations of our guests, our industry has been forced to adapt and evolve in order to remain relevant and competitive.
“At this conference, we will hear from industry leaders and experts who are at the forefront of this transformation.
“We will learn about the latest trends and best practices, and we will explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
“Meanwhile, it is important to know that this conference is not purely about learning and knowledge-sharing.
“It is about building healthy bridges with like-minded professionals who are equally committed to bringing about a change and dedicated to shaping the future of our industry,” Yeoh said in his speech during the opening of the Hospitality Transformation Conference at Hotel NEO+ Penang in George Town today.
On another matter, Yeoh said the Penang government has been actively engaging with international airlines and airport authorities to expand the network of direct flights between Penang and related countries.
He was citing a current event where India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation had asked the airlines there to do a feasibility study to operate direct flights from Chennai to Penang.
This news became a sensation of late after an Indian English-based print and digital newspaper in India published a report stating that the Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia wrote a letter regarding this issue to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
The news was then brought to the attention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This has shown the continuous efforts of the Penang government to push for air connectivity to other parts of the world.
“Therefore, it is hoped that through this conference and many others to come, we can work together and create a brighter future and continue to elevate the tourism landscape in Penang and Malaysia,” Yeoh added.
Also present during the conference were Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang and MyBha national president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud