By V. Sivaji
With Penang jewelers contributing 80% of Malaysia’s gold jewellery exports, the local firms and artisans are indeed a force to be reckoned with.
Their creative works are on show at the 2nd Edition of the Province Wellesley Gold & Silver Ornament Merchants Association (PWGS) Trade Fair 2024 is currently underway at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre here.
State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai was on hand to perform the launch ceremony.
He was accompanied by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, Dato’ Chiah Hock Yew, President of Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Associations of Malaysia (FGJAM), PWGS president, Law Chin Hooi among others.
Some 47 exhibitors from Singapore, Malaysia and China are showing their works along with buyers from Vietnam, India. Myanmar, Dubai, Yemen, Hong Kong and beyond.
Aso present was the CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Azman Tambi Chik, MATRADE director of Lifestyle & Life Sciences Section, Razida Hanim Abdul Razak, and the Hon Consul of Kazakhstan in Penang, Dato Louis Ng.
In his address Wong congratulated PWGS for hosting the showcase for the second time.
“I understand that there are 97 booths showcasing some of the latest designs and creations manufactured locally. In 2023, Malaysia exported RM7.7 billion worth of gold jewellery products.
“At the same time, exquisite jewellery manufactured in Penang is highly sought after on the international market.
The Fair also serves as a comprehensive hub for gold jewellery manufacturers, traders, retailers, and designers, offering a singular platform to explore limitless business opportunities.
This year’s gathering will also feature their inaugural Business to Business (B2B0 and Business to Consumer (B2C) event.
Among the highlights of the opening gambit was an impressive jewellery show by models on the catwalk.
