By V. Sivaji
The Penang Hoteliers’ Association (PHA) celebrated its 69th anniversary dinner at the St Giles Wembley Hotel where some 500 guests gathered.
Guest of honour was Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow. Founded in 1957, PHA is the oldest tourism hospitality related organisation in the country.
Also present was Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, YB Lim Hui Ying, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, YB Wong Yuee Harng, YB Teh Lai Heng, Dato Yeoh Soon Hin, Tourism Malaysia Deputy Chairman, Dato Tony Goh, MAH Penang Chairman, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, MAH Vice President, Ooi Chok Yan Penang Global Tourism Chief Executive Officer among a host of other dignitaries.
Lending support was the Consul General of Japan in Penang HE Mr Shinya Machida and Vice-Consul-General of The People’s Republic of China in Penang.
They were received by PHA chairman Foong Hon Beng and Dato Lim Mee Lee (PHA Executive Advisor) and their committee members.
Other guests included those from government agencies, members of the tourism industry, sponsors, and members of the media too.
Chow also joined the committee members to perform a cake cutting ceremony.
In congratulating PHA on its 69th anniversary, Chow said that since 1957, PHA has grown alongside Penang’s tourism industry and witnessed our transformation into a destination recognised for its heritage, food, culture, nature, business events and international connectivity.
“After almost seven decades, PHA understands better than most that tourism never stands still. Markets change, travellers change and expectations change. As we move through Visit Malaysia 2026, this is therefore the right time to think about what the next phase of tourism should look like.
“With VMY 2026 now extended into 2027, I believe we should take stock of what has worked, where we can do better and how we can make the next phase more effective. I would welcome a constructive discussion in Parliament on the campaign’s performance and outcomes – not simply to review the past, but to strengthen what comes next,” reminded Chow.
He also added that Penang can be the international gateway to a wider Northern experience, while the hotel industry can be one of the key partners in making that proposition real.
Meanwhile, Wong in his speech said that PHA are the pioneers of Penang’s hospitality industry.
“PHA united the industry and laid the foundation for the development of Penang’s tourism and hospitality service. Penang has built a strong foundation for its tourism industry and continues to demonstrate healthy and steady growth,” he added.
Wong also reminded that the achievements of Penang’s tourism industry today did not happen overnight and credited the people and professionals who have contributed to this.
Finally, Foong thanked all parties concerned for making the dinner a success.
“I also thank the state government for their continuous efforts in advancing tourism policies, expanding international air connectivity, developing the MICE industry, preserving our cultural heritage and improving tourism infrastructure.
He also proposed the Penang Tourism Master Plan 2035”, providing a forward-looking roadmap for Penang’s tourism development over the next decade.
As dinner was served, guests took the opportunity to mingle and forge friendship.