The Penang International Convention Cultural & Arts Centre (PICCA) achieved a significant milestone in the regional MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) landscape, they officially clinched the prestigious title of Leading Convention Centre of the Year 2025 – Malaysia at the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025–26 recently.
The highly coveted accolade recognizes PICCA’s exceptional event execution, state-of-the-art facility setups and outstanding food and service quality, validating the brand’s core commitment to #ourHospitality.
The milestone seamlessly builds upon a highly successful track record of major accolades accumulated by the venue.
This includes a Malaysia Book of Records entry for hosting the largest claypot meal eating session (2,500 participants), the Malaysia Business Events Award (Merit Award in the Purpose-Built Convention & Exhibition Centre Excellence category), and the recent Gold Category Award from the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) program by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
Commenting on the landmark win, James Chang, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PICCA Convention Centre, emphasized that the achievement stands as a direct reflection of collective operational excellence rather than individual effort.
“This prestigious result is not a reflection of individual hard work; it belongs entirely to the unwavering contribution, dedication, and professionalism of the entire PICCA team. Every single event we host is executed with a shared #majuPICCA mindset, ensuring our clients receive world-class standards at every touchpoint. This award proves that our hospitality strategy is working.”
“This prestigious result is not a reflection of individual hard work; it belongs entirely to the unwavering contribution, dedication, and professionalism of the entire PICCA team. Every single event we host is executed with a shared #majuPICCA mindset, ensuring our clients receive world-class standards at every touchpoint. This award proves that our hospitality strategy is working.” he added.
The recognition comes at a pivotal moment as PICCA Convention Centre gears up to step onto the national and regional stage. The venue has been chosen as the host for the upcoming, highly anticipated HAWANA 2026 (Hari Wartawan Nasional) celebration from June 19 to 21, 2026.
Organized by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) under the Ministry of Communications, the massive event is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The gathering will bring together over 1,000 media practitioners, including specific invitations extended to Information and Communications Ministers from ASEAN countries.
Securing the Leading Convention Centre of the Year title firmly establishes PICCA Convention Centre as a premier, elite hub capable of handling high-profile, high-security national and international conventions while delivering impeccable food, service, and infrastructure.