By V. Sivaji
The International Conference of Butterfly Exhibitions & Suppliers 2024 (ICBES) will take place in Penang from November 4th to 7th, with a post-conference tour extending until November 10th, 2024.
For the records, Penang has been honoured to host this event for the third time.
Present at a press conference to announce the event was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, along with the chief executive officer of Entopia, Joseph Goh, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, chief executive officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran and Chin Boon Tat, chief operating officer of Entopia.
Some 100 delegates from 18 countries will attend the gathering at the Ascott Gurney Penang.
They will from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, Turkey Kenya, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and host country Malaysia.
In his address, Wong said that the gathering brings together some of the brightest minds and most dedicated professionals in the fields of butterfly conservation, exhibition, and commerce.
“It also marks a significant milestone for our state as we work towards becoming a global hub for eco-tourism and the creative economy.
“Butterflies are more than just symbols of beauty and transformation. They play a crucial role in our ecosystems as pollinators, contributing significantly to biodiversity and the overall health of our environment.
“The delicate wings of butterflies carry not only the future of many plant species but also the heritage of natural beauty that we must diligently preserve for future generations”, said Wong in his speech.
He also added that butterflies are important indicators of ecosystem health, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect our natural heritage.
“Penang, with its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, is an ideal location for such an event, and we are proud to showcase our commitment to sustainable tourism through this conference.
“The gathering is also about fostering a deeper cultural and educational understanding. This conference offers a platform for knowledge exchange and cultural enrichment, which are vital components for the growth of our creative economy.
“Hosting this conference underscores our commitment to these goals by promoting eco-tourism and positioning Penang as a leader in sustainable practices.
“We are home to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which stretch from Penang Hill to Botanical Garden and to Teluk Bahang. Penang is already renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. By developing world-class butterfly exhibitions and fostering partnerships with suppliers, we can attract more eco-tourists to our shores”, he added.
Goh added that Penang known for its rich bio-diversity and commitment to conservation, is a perfect setting for this important gathering. Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow will officiate the gathering.
“Entopia will present a temporary exhibit on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in collaboration with Hi-Tech Instruments. In November, Entopia will launch the Wings of Lepidoptera exhibition, a one-of-kind showcase featuring Micro-Macro Imaging Photography that delves into the mysteries of butterflies and moth wing structures. We also hope to introduce the world’s first Bioflurescent Garden, known as Natureland By Night as part of the attractions here”, he added.
Meanwhile, Ashwin, shared that the gathering will RM1.4 million in economic impact for the state.
“PCEB is focused is on high impact and high value events to promote Penang. International conferences and exhibitions are part of our agenda”, he stressed.
The gathering is held annually and the hosts last year were joint hosts, Germany and Switzerland.
The International Conference of Butterfly Exhibitions & Suppliers is jointly organized by Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm and the International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers (IABES) and supported by PCEB.
