By V. Sivaji
Some 200 delegates from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Japan and Malaysia are attending the 9th edition of the BE @ Penang currently ongoing at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre here.
The two-day event was launched by State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai who was accompanied by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran and his team.
Lending support was Hiroshi Tamura, CEO & Founder of Trend Maker Company Limited & Father of Modern GT-R along with industry stakeholders and hospitality industry representatives.
In his opening address, Wong expressed his delight to welcome all of the participants to the 9th edition of BE @ Penang 2025.
“Your presence today reflects our shared commitment to advancing this industry and strengthening the wave of growth and collaboration within our community. This conference holds special significance for Penang. It reflects our state’s unwavering commitment to the Penang2030 Vision, a people-centric roadmap to build a family-focused, green, and smart state that inspires the nation.
“The Business Events (BE) industry has long been a high-value and high-impact pillar for Penang. It is more than a platform for meetings and exhibitions; it is a catalyst for knowledge exchange, investment, talent development and global connectivity. The conversations you will have at BE @ Penang 2025 matter. They matter because ideas born here will grow into collaborations, products, solutions, and opportunities. They matter because they strengthen the industry and uplift the many livelihoods connected to it.
“Most importantly, they matter because they help build a Penang that is not only more prosperous, but also more inclusive and sustainable,” stressed Wong in his speech.
Earlier, Ashwin highlighted that year’s powerful and resonant theme: “BE THE WAVE.”
“This message carries a deeper significance. It is an invitation to be here in Penang—a vibrant destination where cultural heritage meets innovation—and to be the wave that drives transformation, inspires creativity, and shapes the future of our industry.
“When BE @ Penang first began, the vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a platform that elevates the Business Events community, unites industry stakeholders, and encourages continuous learning and collaboration. Over the years, this conference has grown into a trusted platform for thought leadership, a catalyst for new partnerships, and a showcase of industry’s dynamic and resilient Business Events ecosystem.
“Today, BE @ Penang is recognised not only as a key annual event for Malaysia, but as a significant industry platform within the region. This growth is the result of the dedication, partnership, and trust we have built together over the years,” he added.
More than 19 speakers from various fields and expertise are also presenting their talk. Meanwhile, delegates also got a chance to mingle and make new contacts at the session. They will also be treated to a fine networking dinner later today at Forest Island..
Also present at the BE@Penang was Datin S Barathi, GM Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Dr Annuar Mohamed (MOTAC Penang Director, Abdul Hadi Che Man (Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Director), Ms Dee Dee Quah, Director of Conference Partners Asia, Datuk Dr M Gandhi, President of Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Suppliers,
