PENANG state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, was recently conferred the “Outstanding State Tourism Leader” award at the Asian Hospitality & Tourism Awards (ATH Awards) 2025–2026 gala dinner held in Kuala Lumpur. He was the only elected representative to receive an award at this year’s ceremony.
The ATH Awards primarily recognise professional institutions, industry players and leaders in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The platform brings together leading hotel groups, international hospitality brands, tourism corporations, convention centres and senior industry figures from across Asia. Wong’s recognition among these industry leaders reflects the growing regional acknowledgement of Penang’s tourism achievements in recent years.
Wong said he was deeply honoured and humbled to receive the award, which was accepted on his behalf by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran.
“This award does not belong to me alone. It belongs to the entire Penang tourism ecosystem. The steady progress and achievements of Penang’s tourism industry are not the work of any single individual, but the result of the collective efforts of Penang State Government, tourism players, hoteliers, airlines, the business events sector, arts and cultural practitioners, community organisations and all relevant stakeholders. It is through close cooperation and shared commitment that Penang’s tourism performance and international standing continue to grow,” he said.
Wong added that Penang’s recognition is also closely linked to the continued expansion of international air connectivity at Penang International Airport. With more direct international flights being introduced, Penang’s accessibility has been further enhanced, strengthening its connection with the world and injecting fresh momentum into the state’s tourism industry.
“A stronger aviation network has contributed to the overall performance of Penang’s tourism sector, including the continued growth in international visitor arrivals, steady improvement in hotel occupancy, as well as rising demand for MICE and international conferences. These developments are closely interlinked and have further strengthened Penang’s position as the tourism gateway and business events hub of northern Malaysia,” he said.
Wong also extended his congratulations to several Penang tourism, hospitality and MICE organisations as well as industry representatives who were also recognised at this year’s ATH Awards. He said the multiple awards won by Penang players reflected the strength, unity and depth of Penang’s tourism ecosystem.
The Penang award recipients include:
- Ashwin Gunasekeran, chief executive officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) – International Business Events Leadership Award 2025
- Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai – Leading New Hotel of the Year 2025
- Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang – Leading Conference Hotel of the Year 2025 – Northern Region
- G Hotel Gurney – Leading MICE Venue of the Year 2025 (Hotel Category)
- ENTOPIA – Butterfly House (Pg) Sdn Bhd – Leading Tourist Attraction of the Year 2025
- PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena – Leading Convention Centre of the Year 2025
- Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang – Leading New Urban Lifestyle Hotel of the Year 2025
- Nick Ng – Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai – Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year 2025 （Northern Region）
Wong reaffirmed his commitment to continue striving for excellence in strengthening the international competitiveness of Penang’s tourism industry, and to contribute towards its long-term and sustainable growth.
“The Penang state government has a clear objective, which is to continue developing Penang as a sustainable, high-quality and globally competitive tourism destination, while creating tangible economic benefits and long-term value for the state,” he said.
Pix courtesy of the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy office (PETACE)