By V. Sivaji
The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) shared its impressive performance for the year 2025 at its Business Events Penang in 2025 gathering held at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) where some 400 industry stakeholders gathered.
Guest of honour was YB Wong Hon Wai, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy accompanied by YB Wong Yuee Harng, YB Teh Lai Heng, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Datin S. Barathi, Dato Tony Goh among others. They were welcomed by PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeeran and his team members.
Among the highlights of Year 2025 include Penang hosting a total of 3,391 business events, marking a 64.7% increase compared to 2,059 events in 2024. The number of delegates surged to 451,198, up 47.8% from the previous year, while total room nights reached 824,505, representing a 47.6% growth. These achievements collectively contributed to a whopping estimated Economic Event Impact (EEI) of RM1.91 billion.
Meanwhile, Wong in his opening address congratulated the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau on another successful year to advance Penang’s economic growth through corporate and professional events.
“It is a truly collaborative effort, involving the state government, industry stakeholders, tourism players, and the wider business events community. These results demonstrate that business events are not only a significant economic driver for Penang but also a key contributor to the state’s long-term vision under Penang 2030.
“Beyond the numbers, I am particularly encouraged by the breadth and depth of sectoral diversity represented. The events hosted spanned fields such as science, engineering, healthcare, sports,
legal, languages, and literature. This diversity reflects Penang’s maturity as a MICE destination, with the capability and flexibility to support a wide spectrum of professional and knowledge-driven
events,” said Wong.
Meanwhile, Ashwin in his speech conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported and contributed to the growth of Penang’s business events ecosystem. To their partners, from industry
stakeholders to media representatives, from our IPP partners to local businesses and to the Penang State Government, for their unwavering support, collaboration and trust that has been fundamental to the successes to celebrate tonight..
He also added that by attracting high-value conferences, exhibitions, and professional gatherings, the sector supports the state’s long-term goals of becoming a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, enhancing infrastructure and positioning Penang as a premier destination for international investment.
“The results of these efforts are tangible. “There is still strong potential for further growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and marine-related industries. These emerging and strategic sectors present new opportunities to attract high-value business events that are closely aligned with Penang’s long-term economic priorities,” said Ashwin in his speech.
“At PCEB, we turn insight and foresight into action. By using data, market intelligence, and global best practices, we refine our strategies to help partners transform opportunities into real
outcomes and measurable impact across Penang’s business events ecosystem,” added Ashwin
Supportive hotels and business partners were also presented with appreciation certificates and momentos. Formalities aside, guests were treated to a buka puasa session with a fine spread of local favourites.
