Tourism industry stakeholders gather to show appreciation to YB Yeoh
By V. Sivaji
Good deeds and meaningful contributions should never be forgotten, with this in mind, two hospitality leaders held an appreciation dinner for YB Yeoh Soon Hin.
Penang MAH chairman, Tony Goh and Penang Hotelier’s Association (PHA) chairman Dato’ Lim Mee Lee organised an appreciation dinner for Mr Yeoh Soon Hin, the ex State Exco for Tourism and Creative for all his contributions.
Also present were MAH National vice president, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Penang director for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer (PGT), Ooi Chok Yan, Executive Director of Medical Centre of Medical Tourism, Ms Mary Ann Harris, Ken Tan (AirAsia) among the 320 guests.
“This testimonial and appreciation dinner YB Yeoh is to thank him for all his efforts to revive the tourism industry despite the Covid-19 pandemic which plagued the world. Now, it might seem a long time ago but in reality it was only last year things took a turn for the better.
“It has been a privilege to work with YB and he has shown a lot of concern about the tourism industry. Now, we see the recovery and hotels are able to smile again.
“Many hotels have achieved 100 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels. We also congratulate YB on his new posting as Penang Port Commission chairman.
Meanwhile, Dato Lim in his address, thanked Yeoh for his untiring efforts in promoting the tourism industry.
“He has served as an assemblyman since 2008 and now the DAP Sec-General, YB Anthony Loke has suggested him to stand for parliament seat in the next elections.
Yeoh in his speech highlighted the importance of teamwork for success in any sector.
“I had the cooperation of industry stakeholders like MAH, PHA, PGT, ATTAP, MOTAC, TM, AirAsia and many more during my tenure. I thank everyone for their support during his term as Tourism Exco
Among the highlights during YB Yeoh’s term were –
– A total of 26 new hotels have opened in Penang.
– A total of 11 direct flights to Penang International Airport
– The first state in Malaysia to approve the Penang Museum Board Enactment 2020, replacing the Penang State Museum Board Enactment 1972 for the purpose of supervising and regulating to uplift the quality of museums.
-Established the Penang Heritage Commissioner and State Heritage Council in line with the Penang Heritage Enactment 2011 (Regulation 2016).
– Digitalize Hotel Fee Collection.
– The first state to utilize AR and VR technology in promoting Penang’s Tourism and Creative Economy.
– First state introduces Michelin Guide together with Kuala Lumpur.
– Expanding cultural diplomacy
– Inaugural Penang Centennial Heritage Excellence Award.
– The first state in Malaysia to gazette the dialect “Penang Hokkien” as state heritage.
– A total of 118 trishaws have been repaired and upgraded
– Awarded 6 impactful awards in the tourism and creative economy field.
Penang Hyperlocal also takes this opportunity to wish all the best to YB Yeoh in his new journey and thank him for all the contributions for the tourism industry.
