Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai launched the forum organized by the Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Penang at the St Giles Wembley Hotel here.
Lending support were Consuls and their team from the various countries based in Penang.
The Kazakhstan consul here is headed by Dato Wira Louis Ng.
In his opening address Wong highlighted the growing diplomatic and consular presence in Penang.
He said that the state is home to four consulate general offices, including those from China, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, as well as 23 honorary consuls from nations around the world.
“The 23 Honorary Consular Representation namely: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Tunisia, Chile, Sweden and Kazakhstan.
“Of particular note is the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Penang, which was established in October 2023. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the ties between our two countries, and it provides a solid foundation for expanding our cooperation in trade, business, and tourism.
“With the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan established in Penang and increasing air connectivity through direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty. Penang is becoming an accessible and attractive destination for Kazakhstani travelers. This presents an excellent opportunity for Kazakhstan to explore Penang as a potential business and tourism hub, while Penang’s ease of access to Kazakhstan presents new avenues for Malaysian businesses to expand into Central Asia.
“In essence, both Kazakhstan and Penang share a mutual commitment to growth, sustainability, and cultural richness. While Kazakhstan’s economic transformation offers immense business potential in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology, Penang’s established position as a regional hub for manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy provides the perfect complementary environment for these efforts. Whether it’s in tourism, trade, cultural exchange, or sustainability, both regions can strengthen their ties by leveraging these shared strengths.
“As we explore these opportunities today, I encourage you all to think not only of Penang as a destination for business and tourism but also as a partner in a larger regional and global network. Together, we can build lasting bridges between Kazakhstan and Penang, creating mutual opportunities that will enrich our economies, cultures, and communities for years to come,” said Wong in his address.