PENANG successfully launched its first hybrid business event – BE@ Penang 2021 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.
The two-day event, which is themed ‘BE Connected. BE Inspired’, aims to provide a platform for industry practitioners to rejuvenate and be inspired by getting connected.
The 6th edition of BE@Penang is co-organised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and Anderes Fourdy Events, which is Malaysia’s leading professional congress organiser.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his address via a pre-recorded video, said technology has become an integral part of our lives ever since the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
“It has allowed us to explore new ways of staying connected with each other between friends and families, as well as clients and delegates in every industry, including tourism and business events.
“In a way, the situation also complemented the state government’s Penang2030 vision of “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation” as it precipitated our efforts on further developing our digital economy.
“There is a growing need to have faster internet connection and connectivity to cater to the different expectations in the new normal.
“Thus, Penang is investing heavily in the latest technology and incorporating smart digital solutions into our daily lives,’’ said Chow.
According to Chow, other strategic initiatives to further realise the Penang2030 vision include strengthening mobility, connectivity, and the state’s digital infrastructure to make Penang the preferred destination for tourism and business events.
“We are also working on to improve and build our 5G infrastructure across the state to drive the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
“We are carrying out major infrastructural development and smart buildings that can accommodate the fast-paced living and seamlessly cater to the constant growing requests as well as expectations for both virtual and hybrid events.
“With this, let me personally extend an invitation and a warm welcome to entrepreneurs who are interested in setting up your businesses in Penang, especially those who are expanding your range of products and services,” he said.
Chow also said the state government makes it a priority to ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry by organising various programmes via his office as well as the office of state Tourism and Creative Economy Commitee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
“We have rolled out many support programmes for our tourism contributors from transportation management, tourist attractions, to our trishaw riders and tour guides (who have played a vital role in guiding many visitors around the state, especially in George Town).
“I understand that PCEB is working tirelessly to continuously put Penang on the world map for business events.
“Although the market was quiet for the past two years, the international marketing and promotional efforts continued to put Penang on par with the global standards of tourism and business events.
“Through this BE @ Penang 2021 hybrid conference, we in Penang take advantage of our capability in leading.
“And we will always strive towards maintaining the same interest when we welcome back international tourists and business groups to our shores,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, Yeoh said Penang aims to stay committed as the relevant contributor to the recovery of Malaysian economy.
“We can’t wait for the international borders to open for us to welcome the international travellers.
“Concurrently, we will continue to review and improve our domestic tourism’s market.
“The hybrid BE@Penang is the way forward especially during the post-pandemic era,’’ added Yeoh.
PCEB chief executive Ashwin Gunasekeran said participants from a total of 20 countries in the Asia Pacific region are taking part in the conference.
“BE@Penang usually will see the participation of some 300 to 400 people yearly.
“This time round we have 140 individuals present here physically and 150 attendees at the virtual platform.
“We hope that BE @ Penang 2021 will end the year on a positive note with additional useful perspectives and ideas for our industry partners as well as other relevant industry players.
“And we will continue to keep up the rejuvenation momentum,” he said.
Also present were Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) CEO Datuk Sri Abdul Khani bin Daud, Sarawak Convention Bureau CEO Amelia Roziman and Sabah Tourism Board general manager Noredah Othman who joined them via the virtual platform.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi