Despite the on-going pandemic, Penang attracted 156 events with 19,283 participants and 48,963 room nights for 2020. 

This was shared during the Business Events Penang 2020 Annual Review Launch at the Wembley Hotel last night.

Present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin and Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran.

Also present was the Penang director for the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Khoo Boo Lim, vice president of MAH national board and MAH Penang chairman Raj Kumar.

Representatives from the various hotels in Penang made their presence too.

“We are not giving up yet but still focussed on the tourism industry for Penang considering this is the second event involving tourism in a week.

“I would also like to congratulate PCEB for successfully compiling and publishing the annual review 2020.

“This new strategy consists of three primary missions, namely, strengthening the ecosystem, coordinating the ecosystem to the changes of the 21 century and building resilience against any future crises,” said Chow in his address.

Meanwhile, he also shared that Penang still managed to record RM14.1 billion investments despite the pandemic last year with 75% of it from foreign direct investments (FDI).

A video presentation proceeded showcasing the activities and initiatives dine by Penang state government and PCEB.

Guests were later treated to a buka puasa dinner for the evening.