THE state government through the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) successfully hosted a record-breaking 604 events last year, achieving a staggering RM1.033 billion in estimated economic impact (EEI).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced this during the PCEB Business Events Penang 2023 Annual Review launch at the Penang Marriott Hotel in Gurney Drive this evening.
According to Chow, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry holds a huge potential to contribute significantly to the economic growth of the state and nation.
“In 2023, Penang showcased remarkable resilience, achieving a record-breaking 604 events, a nearly three-fold increase from 2022, contributing to an impressive RM1.033 billion in EEI.
“The state is poised to emerge as a regional and potentially global business travel hub, emphasising the importance of business events as a crucial revenue source.
“Our commitment to progress remains unwavering, with a strategic focus on this sector while vigilantly monitoring other facets of our tourism portfolio,” Chow said.
Chow also expressed gratitude to PCEB and partners for repositioning Penang globally. He emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering a favourable macroeconomic environment for business events, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience.
“Initiatives such as the expansion of the Penang International Airport, the Penang Light Rail Transit, the Penang Hill Cable Car, and the development of Gurney Bay are underway to support this vision.
“Let us not forget the launch of the ‘Mainland Penang Incentive Brochure’ in 2023, aiming to attract impactful events to Seberang Perai and beyond.
“I am confident that mainland Penang will significantly contribute to the growth of the business events industry as well, underscoring our commitment to the entire region, not just the island,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, who was also present, said that 2023 was a busy year for PCEB.
“The Annual Review for 2023 showcases a vibrant year for Penang’s business events industry, with 162,964 business travellers and 539,113 room nights recorded — a significant 281% increase from 2022.
“These numbers affirm the pivotal role of business events in driving the state’s tourism and economic recovery,” Ashwin said.
He emphasised PCEB’s commitment to fostering business events in Penang, citing notable achievements in 2023, including hosting major events like V-Convention 2023 and SEMICON 2023 Expo.
“These large-scale events, which attracted thousands of delegates, significantly contributed to over 50% of Penang’s EEl,” he said.
Ashwin also highlighted the importance of balancing such events with smaller-scale meetings, aligning with the goal of establishing Penang as a premier, sustainable, diversified, and smart business events destination for the future.
Ashwin also mentioned that in 2023, business meetings came from a diverse range of industries.
“This includes manufacturing, engineering, robotics, orthopaedic, obstetrics and gynaecology, dermatology, marine biodiversity, advertising, marketing, accounting, landscape architecture, leadership training, halal foods, and even the gold, jewellery, hair and beauty industries.
“As such, PCEB is honoured to have played its role in enabling businesses to physically network, share knowledge and expertise, grow professionally, and build stronger relationships with one another within their respective industries.
“As we reflect on the key learnings and successes of 2023, we are excited about the opportunities and collaborations awaiting us this year as there is just so much potential for Penang!” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace) Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that 2023 was a year of business growth for Penang’s economy.
“My office, Petace, is pleased to have worked closely with PCEB to accelerate the influx of business events into the island and the mainland.
“Such encouraging numbers that just announced are proof that business travel is back and that more and more delegates are keen to attend events physically.
“The numbers also affirm the work we are already doing to boost Penang’s economic growth,” said Wong.
Also present during the programme were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Datuk Khoo Boo Lim and Malaysian Association of Hotel (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alissala Thian