As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening Penang’s position as a leading destination for MICE events, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) organised a strategic knowledge-sharing session titled “Navigating the Power of Data” at the PARKROYAL Penang Resort.
The event gathered over 100 representatives from hotels and resorts across Penang, underscoring the critical role of data-driven insights in the evolving Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) landscape.
Chaired by PCEB’s Chief Executive Officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran, the session focused on equipping hospitality stakeholders with practical tools and strategies to better understand market trends, consumer behaviour, and the growing importance of data analytics in capturing MICE opportunities.
Established as a dedicated agency under the Penang State Government, PCEB has played a pivotal role in driving the growth of the MICE sector in Penang, which in turn fuels business for the state’s hotel, resort, and tourism ecosystem.
Through destination marketing, international partnerships, and professional development initiatives, PCEB actively connects global business event planners with local industry players, helping to position Penang as a world-class MICE destination.
These efforts have a direct and positive impact on the local hospitality sector. By attracting international conferences, incentive travel groups, and large-scale exhibitions, PCEB generates consistent room bookings, extended stays, and increased spending at hotels, resorts, and tourism attractions throughout the state.
The “Navigating the Power of Data” session is part of PCEB’s broader strategy to empower local industry players with actionable intelligence, enabling them to tailor their offerings, forecast demand more accurately, and remain competitive in a fast-changing global market.
As Penang continues to evolve as a premier hub for business events in the region, PCEB remains a central catalyst—driving growth, fostering collaboration, and delivering measurable benefits to the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The state offers excellent convenience and meeting venues like the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, PICCA and the soon to be launched Penang Waterfront Convention Centre.
Some of those who attended the session was Dato Gulab Mahatam Rai (MAH Penang Vice chairman and cluster General Manager for NEO+ Hotel and Lone Pine Hotel), Adrian Chua, Multi-Property General Manager of the Penang Marriott Complex. Raj Kumar GM Light Hotel, Steven Suffian, GM Hompton Hotel, Catherine Townsend GM The Millen, Melvin Ooi, GM Prestige Hotel, John Kim, Operations Manager at NEO+ Penang, Alex Gooi, Hotel Sentral Seaview Hotel among others.
