By V. Sivaji
The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter held its biennial dinner at the St. Giles Wembley Hotel — a night of fun, food and celebration.
Called “Mingle & Jingle,” the event also marked the chapter’s 24th anniversary, bringing together industry leaders, partners and friends.
Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow was the guest of honour and was warmly welcomed by MAH Penang Chapter chairman Dato’ Tony Goh and his organising committee members.
Also joining the festivities were Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin who is the Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia and Chairman of the Penang Port Commission and MAH National President Datin Christina Toh.
It was a great evening of reconnecting, celebrating milestones and looking ahead to more exciting times for the local hotel industry.
In his opening address, Chow said that he was glad to be at the gathering not just as the Chief Minister but also as a partner in the growth of Penang’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic,Penang’s hotel and tourism industry has seen a remarkable comeback. We have gone from survival mode to full speed – and your hard work has been a huge part of that.
“Penang has always been a beloved destination but what we have seen in the past two years is something even more exciting. As a state government, we remain committed to uplifting the sector. We want to see even greater success for your hotels.
“And while we will continue to improve infrastructure, transport and event support, I want to be honest – we can’t do it alone,” said Chow while also welcoming their feedback even if they are critical.
Earlier, Goh thanked his colleagues in the industry and generous sponsors for making the evening such a grand gathering.
“We also celebrate a milestone – the 24th anniversary of the chapter. For decades, MAH Penang has been a beacon of strength and collaboration.
“Through the synergistic efforts between government bodies, industry players and tourism stakeholders, we have not only elevated Penang as a leading tourism destination but also solidified its identity as a symbol of cultural richness, culinary distinction and genuine Malaysian hospitality,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Yeoh share that Singapore, Indonesia and China continue to lead as our to tourist source markets, with significant contributions from Thailand, Brunei and India.
“The return of international direct flights to key hubs like Doha, Dubai, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Medan as well as reciprocal visa-free arrangements with China, further enhances Penang’s connectivity and attractiveness,” he added.”
The evening also featured live band performance and lucky draw prizes for guests to take home.
Emcee for the night, the evergreen Gilbert Khoo was in his element to render several down memory lane songs to entertain the guests. By the end of the evening guests had a great time catching up and enjoying the company of their friends and colleagues in the fraternity.
Also present was Abdul Hadi Che Man, Director of Tourism Malaysia Northern Region, Dr Annuar Mohamed, Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Penang, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, VP MAH national, Ooi Chok Yan, CEO Penang Global Tourism, Dato Gulab Mahatam Rai, GM Lone Pine and NEO Hotel, Mary Ann Harris, PBA Group Chief Financial Officer, Ms Vijaya Priya, AirAsia Head of Government Affairs and a host of guests.
