PENANG is poised to significantly strengthen its estimated economic impact (EEI) from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry with the opening of the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the new convention centre, which was officially opened in October last year, marks a major milestone in the state’s long-term MICE and tourism strategy.
“By the middle of this year, I have been informed that the accompanying shopping mall, office spaces and hotel will also be completed.
“This will transform the area into an important new hub that enhances Penang’s potential as a MICE destination, complementing the existing MICE facilities in the state.
“The Penang government views the addition of PWCC not as a move to compete with existing venues, but rather as an effort to unlock Penang’s full potential as a tourism and MICE hub for the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, and for the country as a whole,” Chow told reporters after leading a state delegation in an official visit to the convention centre earlier this morning.
Among those present during the visit were Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and IJM Perennial Development director Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung.
Chow noted that Penang’s MICE industry has already recorded steady growth over the past few years, driven by the strong roles played by the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and the office of YB Wong Hon Wai.
“We have witnessed encouraging growth in the MICE industry, and it is crucial that we continue to ensure sufficient facilities are in place to meet rising demand in terms of tourist arrivals, as well as the number of organisers choosing Penang as their event destination.
“With the completion of public transport infrastructure and the expansion of highway networks, Penang will further strengthen its position as a leading tourism and MICE destination, not only in the northern region but nationwide,” he said.
Wong, meanwhile, revealed that Penang achieved more than RM1 billion in EEI from the MICE sector last year.
“With the addition of PWCC, we expect this figure to increase further this year. While the exact percentage growth has yet to be determined, we are confident the uplift will be significant,” he said.
Relatively, Ling said that with PWCC now operational, Phase Two of the development represents a major step forward in positioning Penang as a competitive and credible MICE destination on the global stage.
“Since its opening in late October 2025, PWCC has already hosted several major international events, reflecting strong market confidence and demand.
“The convention centre is expected to play a catalytic role in driving visitor arrivals, stimulating economic activity and creating employment opportunities across tourism, hospitality and related industries,” he added.
Designed as Penang’s flagship MICE venue, PWCC offers 7,318 square metres of column-free space capable of accommodating up to 10,000 delegates, supported by flexible breakout rooms and advanced digital infrastructure.
This positions PWCC as the largest convention centre in the Northern Region of Malaysia and a key enabler in Penang’s efforts to attract major international events.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud