By V. Sivaji Pillay
The Penang International Convention, Cultural & Arts Centre (PICCA) also known as the Butterworth Arena will become a key driver for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) gatherings on the mainland.
Built at a cost of RM59 million by the Penang State Government, the double-storey building is located at Ampang Jajar in Butterworth.
On hand to launch its website launching ceremony was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin along with Island LandCap Hospitality’s executive chairman, Datuk Oon Weng Boon.
Lending support was Dato’ Sri Dr Abdul Khani, chief executive officer of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau all the way from Kuala Lumpur.
Many of Penang’s tourism and travel industry stakeholders were also present to make the occasion a meaningful gathering.
Yeoh in his address expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Island LandCap Hospitality for inviting him to the launch and witness their new convention centre.
Dubbed to be the biggest in the Northern Region – PICCA @ Butterworth Arena is bound to boost the MICE industry in the region.
“Today marks a momentous occasion for our state and the events industry as a whole. This grand facility has been designed to cater more than 8,000 delegates and to provide a space that is truly exceptional.
“We are confident that this center will attract events from all over the world and become a hub for innovation, creativity.and knowledge exchange.
He added that Penang is ready for the next stage of destination marketing for business events.
Meanwhile, among its main facilities at the arena are their three ballrooms which can accommodate 360 tables, a grand stage and four function rooms, two separate kitchens, 600 parking lots for cars and 400 lots for motorcycles.
Although owned by Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), it is managed by Island LandCap Hospitality Sdn Bhd as its operator.
Oon in his speech envisioned that PICCA @ Butterworth Arena will be a world-class venue for (MICE) gatherings.
“Now, we can host world class events with the latest technology. Will work with all local and foreign parties to promote Penang2030 Vision,” he said.
The mega venue is also capable of hosting more than 8,000 delegates at any one time.
Also present was Penang director for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Tourism Malaysia Northern Region deputy director Siti Hajar, Malaysian Association of Hotel (MAH National) vice president, Datuk Khoo Boo Lim, MAH Penang Chapter chairman, Tony Goh, MAH Kedah/Perlis Chapter chairman Eugene Dass, PHA chairman Datuk Lim Mee Lee, Mary Ann Harris, Penang Centre of Medical Tourism director along with industry stakeholders among others.
For booking or any inquiries, call 012–790 3999 or email [email protected],
