The Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, was invited to attend the “TGH 1st Quarter Review Conference” organised by EOSTRE Sdn Bhd recently.
In his speech at the event, he extended his sincere congratulations to the organiser for successfully hosting the conference in Penang. He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the company for choosing Penang as the host destination.
“The choice of Penang as the conference venue is a strong endorsement of the state’s business event infrastructure. It further underscores Penang’s attractiveness and growth potential in the regional meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector. This not only reflects Penang’s status as a leading tourism destination in Malaysia, but also reinforces its role as a key hub for business events, truly deserving of its reputation as a ‘city where business meets leisure,”
“The four-day conference, held from 9 to 12 April 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, brought together approximately 1,000 delegates, of whom about 700 were from China. This encouraging development is closely linked to Penang’s sustained efforts in deepening engagement with the China market and expanding its network of direct aviation connectivity with China cities.” said Wong.
Meanwhile he also noted that the Penang-China aviation connectivity continues to expand and direct flight cities increase fourfold.
“Since I assumed office as the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy in August 2023, Penang’s direct aviation connectivity with China has experienced remarkable expansion. At that time, only 2 China cities – Guangzhou and Hong Kong had direct flights to Penang. Today, this has expanded to 8 major Chinese cities, namely Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Qingdao and Chongqing, complemented by several charter flights connecting additional cities.”
“Notably, Penang’s China aviation connectivity network now covers key cities across eastern, southern, western and northern China, forming a comprehensive multi-point connectivity system. In terms of city coverage, the network has expanded more than fourfold compared to the beginning of my tenure, demonstrating tangible breakthroughs and milestones in Penang’s efforts to capture the China market,” he added.
He also highlighted that the economic impact generated by large-scale conferences should not be underestimated. With thousands, or even tens of thousands, of international delegates entering Penang, their spending on transportation, accommodation, air travel as well as food and beverage will significantly benefit the local services sector and related industries, creating a strong economic multiplier effect. In this regard, high-value, high-impact business events not only enhance Penang’s international visibility but also generate extensive business opportunities for local stakeholders, benefiting various sectors across the board.”
“In recent years, Penang has continuously upgraded and strengthened its MICE infrastructure. In addition to the long-established Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Southwest District, Penang has also added the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre in the Northeast District, as well as the Butterworth Convention Centre in North Seberang Perai, complemented by hotel ballrooms and other versatile venues. The overall convention infrastructure has become increasingly comprehensive and diversified.”
“This multi-tiered and diversified convention venue ecosystem has formed a complementary and synergistic framework, significantly enhancing Penang’s overall capacity to host large-scale events. It also provides suitable venue options for small and medium-sized events, strengthening Penang’s competitiveness in the regional MICE market and further consolidating its position as a leading regional convention hub, while opening up broader opportunities to attract more international conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel activities in the future.” he added.
He added that international hotel brands such as Amari, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Ascott, Citadines and et cetera have strengthened Penang’s ability to cater to business and MICE travellers, further enhancing its overall capacity to host international business visitors and convention delegations.
“Given the current geopolitical tensions in the West Asian region and the prevailing uncertainties, international event organisers are expected to carefully reassess their event destinations in the short term, with a tendency to favour more stable and secure regions. Against this backdrop, the Penang government, through the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), will actively seize the opportunities arising from potential structural shifts in the global MICE market. We will proactively and strategically attract high-quality international conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel programmes to Penang, further strengthening the state’s position as a regional MICE hub.” ended Wong.
Accompanying Wong on the visit to PWCC was Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) Chief Executive Officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran.
Source – Penang State Tourism Office