The Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau has officially launched the "Penang Inspiring Conventions & Malaysia Year of Tourism 2026" initiative. This aims to further enhance Penang's international profile as a preferred destination for business events, attracting more high-end conferences, exhibitions, and incentive travel groups to experience its diverse and dynamic MICE tourism resources.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau, stated that with the upcoming Malaysia Year of Tourism 2026, this initiative not only strives to strengthen Penang's position in the Asia-Pacific meetings and incentive travel market but also hopes to showcase to the world Penang's commitment as a sustainable business hub. By fostering impactful business connections, it aims to make substantive contributions to Malaysia's economic growth, social progress, and environmental stewardship.
As a key component of the initiative, the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau has partnered with the Pantai Kerachut Turtle Sanctuary to jointly promote corporate social responsibility projects. Leveraging the issue of turtle conservation, both parties hope to guide corporate teams to place greater emphasis on ecological balance and sustainable development when planning business events, demonstrating the positive value of the MICE industry for the environment and community beyond economic benefits.
Penang Targets Chinese Market to Expand MICE Cooperation in Economy, Culture, and Technology
Targeting the Chinese market, Penang will focus on expanding MICE cooperation opportunities in the economic, cultural, and technological fields. On one hand, it will actively collaborate with Chinese enterprises in Penang such as China Southern Airlines and Jinko Solar to explore potential for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. On the other hand, it aims to attract more Chinese business and MICE travelers by hosting international conferences.
In the area of cultural and technological integration, Penang plans to introduce AI technology to promote cultural heritage and innovation, using digital restoration, immersive exhibitions, and other forms to enhance cultural expression and identity, further fostering regional connectivity and common development between China and Malaysia. Simultaneously, the local area will develop artificial intelligence education resources to cultivate a talent pool with digital literacy and a global perspective. It will also actively expand cooperation in new energy and environmental protection industries, aiming to attract more high-quality conferences and exhibitions focused on artificial intelligence, educational innovation, and the green economy.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau will continue to increase support for the MICE industry, driving Penang to become a high-value, high-impact business events hub in Malaysia. The focus will be on attracting meetings and exhibitions that align with Penang's sustainable development vision, encouraging quality business activities that balance innovative exchange, knowledge sharing, and social responsibility.
A Shanghai-based MICE industry professional noted that Penang is not only a significant MICE hub in Asia and a crucial microelectronics industry center renowned as the "Silicon Valley of the East," but also the region in Malaysia richest in Chinese-Malaysian culture. The industry expects Penang to further integrate its historical culture, culinary heritage, and artistic creative resources in the future. Through more cultural exhibitions, in-depth tours, and intangible cultural heritage experiences, it hopes to fully showcase the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site to Chinese corporate teams.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
