PENANG today unveiled the ‘Penang Inspiring Meetings X Visit Malaysia 2026’ campaign, marking a strategic effort to position the state as a premier destination for both leisure tourism and business events.
Speaking at the launch held at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted the campaign’s role in amplifying Penang’s international profile in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is more than a tourism campaign. It is a national effort to showcase Malaysia’s rich heritage, vibrant cultures, and modern infrastructure to the world,” Wong said.
Wong, who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman, noted that Penang continues to experience robust tourism growth, with 2025 indicators showing steady recovery driven by domestic and regional travel.
“The state is directly connected to 20 international cities, including Bangkok, Jakarta, Shanghai, Dubai, and Singapore.
“Recent airline developments further strengthen connectivity: HK Express has increased its flights between Penang and Hong Kong,TransNusa has launched its inaugural Penang-Jakarta service, and Batik Air is set to begin Penang-Medan and Penang-Singapore flights.
“The fully operational PWCC marks a new era for international exhibitions, conventions, and large-scale business events.
“Strategic partnerships with KINTEX, Korea’s leading exhibition operator, have already brought in events such as the K-Beauty Expo and K-Meditech Expo Malaysia.
“Looking ahead, WATERTECH ASIA 2025, scheduled for Dec 2, will further position Penang as a hub for global industry leaders, innovators, and investors,” he said.
Wong shared that between 2024 and October 2025, Penang hosted over 1,200 business events, involving 172,000 delegates and generating an estimated RM814 million in economic impact, underscoring the state’s resilience and growing stature in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
“The campaign also aligns with the Penang 2030 vision, promoting a family-focused, green, and smart state while supporting growth in tourism, hospitality, and creative industries.
“Through collaboration and shared vision, Penang’s tourism and business events sector will continue to thrive for years to come,” Wong added.
Meanwhile, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran emphasised that the business events industry remains a vital pillar of the state economy.
“They bring together international delegates, investors, and thought leaders, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration.
“Beyond immediate visitor spending, business events generate a ripple effect across local communities, benefitting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, suppliers, and creative industries.
“Penang’s strong economic foundation further enhances this momentum.
“Our state continues to excel in three major sectors, management, manufacturing, and technology, a powerful combination that positions Penang as a strategic destination for conferences and professional gatherings seeking depth, expertise, and global relevance.
“These strengths make Penang not just a host, but a partner in driving meaningful outcomes for business events,” he added.
Ashwin also shared that the campaign’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) focus centres on supporting turtle conservation at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary in Pantai Kerachut, chosen as a symbol of sustainability.
“The turtle reflects endurance, balance, and harmony with nature, values aligned with Penang’s commitment to developing the business events industry responsibly. Progress must always be balanced with the protection of the environment, heritage, and community,” Ashwin said.
At the event, he also introduced ‘Nutmeg’, the campaign’s turtle plush mascot, explaining that the name carries historical significance.
“Penang was one of the earliest regions in Malaysia to cultivate nutmeg and the first to commercialise it successfully.
“Nutmeg, like the turtle, represents endurance, growth, and Penang’s longstanding contributions to building a sustainable, globally recognised business events destination,” he said.
Ashwin noted that Penang’s readiness to host world-class events continues to strengthen with the opening of PWCC and several upcoming hotel developments, including Hotel Equatorial Penang, The Westin Penang, Harris Hotel Sunshine Penang, Capri by Fraser, JdV by Hyatt, and Galaxy Minyoun Penang.
“These developments will enhance the state’s accommodation landscape and meet the rising demand for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions,” he said.
Pictures taken at the ceremony:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis