By V. Sivaji
Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow praised the efforts of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) to promote the state as the preferred destination for business events and conventions.
This is following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PCEB and EON Berhad here held at the St Giles Wembley Penang.
Signing on behalf of PCEB was its Chief Executive Officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran while Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad, Mohammad Azwan Yahaya, Chief Operating Officer of Automotive Retails.
In his opening address Chow congratulated PCEB and EON Berhad on the meaningful collaboration.
“It is a timely initiative, and it reflects the kind of practical partnership that Penang needs as we continue to strengthen our economy and raise our competitiveness.Penang has long established itself as a destination for business events. But what will sustain our position in the years ahead is not just our infrastructure or our location. It is our ability to work across sectors, respond to new expectations, and create value through partnerships that are both strategic and relevant.
” In a competitive environment, destinations are judged not merely by what they have, but by what they can offer. Penang must therefore continue to move forward with ideas and solutions that improve the overall experience for organisers, delegates and visitors.
“In this context, this initiative is especially significant because PCEB is becoming the first convention bureau in Malaysia to establish such a strategic collaboration withinautomotive sector aimed at enhancing business events experiences through sustainable mobility solutions.,” he said.
He also added that the introduction of Euromobil’s electric vehicles into Penang’s business events ecosystem is a positive step towards greener event practices. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in global decision-making, Penang must continue to respond in ways that are responsible, forward-looking and aligned with the expectations of the future.
“At the same time, we should remember that the business events industry has a wider impact than many may realise. It supports hotels, restaurants, transport providers, retailers, service industries and local businesses. It creates opportunities for networking, talent development, investment attraction and international visibility. When this sector grows, its benefits are felt across the broader economy,” added Chow.
Meanwhile, Ashwin said that the MOU marks a significant milestone in strengthening Penang’s business events industry through innovation, mobility solutions and cross-industry collaboration.
“The collaboration reflects a shared commitment towards enhancing Penang’s position as a preferred destination for conferences, conventions, exhibitions and corporate events, while creating greater opportunities for industry engagement, business networking and corporate visibility.
“The collaboration also aims to introduce Euromobil’s electric vehicles (EVs) as the official mobility partner for conferences and business events in Penang. The initiative is expected to support greener event operations while encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible practices within the business events ecosystem,” said Ashwin.
Ashwin and Mohammad Azwan signed the MOu and also exchnged token of appreciation. Guests were also treated to a sumptuous lunch following the ceremony.
Also present at the ceremony was YB Wong Yuee Harng, State Assemblyman for Pengkalan Kota and Director of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Datin Bharathi Suppiah, General Manager of Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) & Director, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Dato’ Khoo Boo Lim, Director, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (CEB) and Vice President of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) National, Dato Tony Goh, GM of St Giles Wembley and MAH Penang chairman, DR Annuar Mohamed, Penang MOTAC Director, Ms.May Tan, Head of Operations Premium Division, Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad, Ms. Norafida Binti Ramlee, Head of Marketing, Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad among others.