By V. Sivaji
Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai hailed the recognition and success of several Penang based hotels and hospitality industry players at the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025-2026 in Kuala Lumpur recently.
A press conference was held at the Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai to recognise these establishments.
Wong himself was awarded the “Outstanding State Tourism Leader-Penang Award at the ceremony.
Also present at the event was Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). Ashwin himself was recognised with the “International Business Events Leadership Award 2025” at the ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Wong congratulated all those who had received their recognition in the hospitality, and business events sectors.
“Today, I am truly honoured to share an exciting achievement. At the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025–26, Penang proudly took home 12 awards across 50 categories.
“These achievements are not merely a reflection of success, but a recognition of the sustained efforts of Penang’s tourism, hospitality, and business events sectors.
“On behalf of the Penang State Government, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients. Your dedication and perseverance have not only brought honour to your respective organisations, but have also brought pride to Penang, showcasing our strength and potential to both regional and international audiences,” he shared.
Among those who received their awards were –
– Yb Wong Hon Wai – Outstanding State Tourism Leader – Penang 2025
– Ashwin Gunasekeran – International Business Events Leadership Award 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Transformational Impact
– Entopia – Leading Tourist Attraction of the Year 2025 – Malaysia
– Goche Corporation – Leading Heritage Tourism Product of the Year 2025 – Malaysia
– G Hotel Gurney – Leading Luxury Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia
– G Hotel Gurney – Leading MICE Venue of the Year 2025 – Hotel Category
– Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang – Leading New Urban Lifestyle Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia
– PICCA Convention Centre Penang – Leading Convention Centre of the Year 2025
– Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai – Leading Business Events Destination Hotel 2025 – Malaysia
– Nick Ng General Manager of Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai – Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year 2025 – Northern Region, Malaysia
– Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai – Leading New Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia
– Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Leading Conference Hotel of the Year 2025 – Northern Region, Malaysia
“Each of your achievements reflects the professionalism and excellence within Penang’s tourism and hospitality industry. From tourist attractions and cultural products to hotel services and convention facilities, every award represents years of dedication and continuous effort.
“I am also deeply honoured to have received the “Outstanding State Tourism Leader Award 2025”. This recognition is not only an affirmation, but also a responsibility that motivates me to further advance Penang’s tourism and creative economy,” added Wong.
Meanwhile, Ashwin shared the combined celebration and joy by adding that Penang’s success in securing 12 awards is a proud moment for all of them.
“It reflects the collective strength of an industry that has continued to grow, adapt, and deliver excellence across many areas of tourism, hospitality, and destination experience. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the depth of Penang’s industry ecosystem. A successful destination is not built by one organisation alone. It is built through the combined efforts of passionate industry leaders, committed service teams, venue operators, hoteliers, tourism product owners, and many partners who work together to raise the standard of what Penang can offer.
Also present at the gathering was YB Wong Yuee Harng, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, YB Lee Boon Heng, Ms Pauline Chua GGM of Iconic Group, Nick Ng, General Manager of Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai among others. Guests later posed for a group picture with Wong to commemorate the special occasion.
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