WEEKLY charter flights operated by LOT Polish Airlines are expected to bring more European tourists to Penang during the winter season, strengthening the state’s position as an international tourism destination, says state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Wong said the charter service, which operates between Warsaw and Penang, will begin on Nov 5 and cater mainly to travellers from Poland and other parts of Europe seeking warmer destinations during the winter months.
“Many Europeans choose to escape the winter season and spend their holidays in tropical destinations such as Penang. The charter flights operate on a weekly basis, bringing in a new group of visitors while returning passengers who have completed their stay,” he said.
According to Wong, the seasonal service typically runs between January and March each year, with tourists staying in Penang for periods ranging from one week to as long as three months.
He said the flights have been well received, with some services carrying more than 100 passengers and occasionally reaching as many as 300 travellers from Europe.
“The arrival of these visitors provides a significant boost to Penang’s tourism industry and demonstrates the growing appeal of Penang among European holidaymakers,” he added.
Wong said this after attending the CHAM PENG 3.0: Penang Unfolded – “Show Us Whatcha Got!” Final Showdown at INTI International College Penang in Bukit Jambul.
During his speech, Wong encouraged young people to equip themselves with both technical and interpersonal skills to meet the demands of future industries.
He said manufacturing and the services sector remain two of Malaysia’s key economic pillars, with Penang continuing to play an important role as a semiconductor hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
“For manufacturing, strong skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are important. At the same time, the service and tourism industries require strong communication and people skills,” he said.
Wong noted that while engineering often follows structured processes and logical solutions, industries such as tourism and the creative sector require innovation, adaptability and the ability to explore multiple possibilities.
“That is why young people must develop both analytical and creative thinking. The future belongs to those who can combine technology with human interaction and creativity,” he said.
Also present was INTI International College Penang chief executive Hemalatha Murugiah.
Below are the award recipients and their respective prizes. Each recipient receives a trophy.
Champion — Group 5
Prize: Trophy for each member + RM500 AEON Voucher + Canon cap
- Jill Chung
- Cheng Hui Yu
- Kayley Liaw May Ann
- Thung Nga Ting Lily
1st Runner-up — Group 3
Prize: Trophy for each member + RM400 AEON Voucher
- Jayven A/L Ramaesh
- Seneyhaasree A/P Rajendran
- Loh Xing Chuen
- Choa Xin Yee
- Aiden Chan Gig Ze
- Jayden Khor Wei Yi
- Teoh Jia Shen
2nd Runner-up — Group 6
Prize: Trophy for each member + RM300 AEON Voucher
- Dylan Foo Khai Yee
- Yam Zhi Ying
- Elaine Loh
- Khaleeda Binti Hamizat
- Yesodhassny A/P Muniswaran
- Kho Yan Chuan
Best Photo — Group 4
Prize: Trophy for each member + Rechargeable Keychain Light
- Lam Yun Yi
- Foo Boon Keong
- Joey Wong Shi Ying
- Daphne Wong Zhi Yi
- Defril Ainan Mawaddah Tsaniya
- See Jin Yin
- Moon Aung
- Kaung Htet
Best Advertising Video — Group 5
Prize: Trophy for each member + EOS Friends Blind Box
- Jill Chung
- Cheng Hui Yu
- Kayley Liaw May Ann
- Thung Nga Ting Lily
Best Campaign/Ads/PR Strategies — Group 2
Prize: Trophy for each member + Monopoly Penang Edition
- Clarissa Wang Yean En
- Hew Chiew Onn
- Tan Wei Ying
- Ryan Goh Zhi Xuan
Most Valuable Player
Recipient: Jill Chung
Prize: Trophy + EOS Friends Blind Box + RM100 AEON Voucher
Best Presenter
Recipient: Bryan Hew Chiew Onn
Prize: Trophy + EOS Friends Blind Box + RM50 AEON Voucher
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En