PENANG will introduce a Business Events Penang Rejuvenation Plan 2021-2023 to help the tourism industry recover, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said business events are an important contributor not only to the economy of the state but also to the nation.
“Penang, as all other destinations, has been hit hard, but it is pleasing to see the resolution and the united front of the business events industry endlessly looking for ways to help with the industry’s recovery efforts,” Chow said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of BE @ Penang 2020 today.
“The quick shift to a digital and online platform was certainly relevant and timely.
“With such efforts, it brings me comfort to know that the Malaysian business events industry will not be crippled by curveballs and will continue to hold large scale international conferences.”
Chow added that he was impressed with the ‘can-do’ innovative spirit of the industry, commending the attendees for their unwavering support to the event organised by Penang Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEB) and Anderes Fourdy Events.
Besides the three-year-long rejuvenation plan, he said the Penang government has also taken a number of initiatives, including the Penang Business Continuity Zero-Interest Loan.
Chow further encouraged PCEB partners and business events players to continue to engage Penang and join them in building a brighter future as the state develops its digital economy and moves towards a smart state in line with the Penang2030 vision.
State executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin said he was glad that PCEB has been able to organise the conference through digital platforms to bring wider coverage and allow more people from around the world to tune in to the sessions accordingly.
He said while no one expected that international travelling would grind to a halt, the state was able to review and improve on domestic travel with the Penang Tourism Rejuvenation Plan as well as the Penang Responsible Tourism campaign.
“The online programme for the two-day conference is filled with topics that will prompt how we need to do things differently in order to rebuild the tourism industry,” Yeoh said in his speech.
“We’re glad to have various industry professionals to share with us their various strategies implemented and actions taken to recreate the confidence to travel again.”
This is the first time in five years that the BE @ Penang conference is held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
When Yeoh spoke on the topic of ‘Driving Tourism and Creative Economy & Beyond’ later, he touched on the initiatives carried out by the Penang state government and related stakeholders to stimulate tourism post Covid-19 and to ensure Penang is safe for travellers.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said next year would be a crucial year as a year of recovery.
He said every tourism player needs to recreate and repurpose potential and unique strategies while emphasizing on the power of collaboration.
“We must not start to view each other as competitors anymore, but teammates fighting for the same resolution to this obstacle – to revive and rejuvenate for our destinations: for Penang, for Malaysia, for Asia Pacific, for the world – because it all starts somewhere,” Ashwin said in his speech.
“The sustainability of the tourism and business events industry lies in our resilience and our constant ability to adopt fresh ideas and adapt to change.
“We are glad that the industry’s importance of contributing back to the community and economy is greatly acknowledged by the Penang state government and we are grateful for their constant support.”
Prof Eddie Obeng, who wrote a book on ‘New Rules for the New World’ 25 years ago, delivered a keynote address as he enlightened the participants on how to take charge through new world management.
He also showed practical ways through reinvention and new ways to work and build businesses in a complex changing world that we have never seen before.
Among the topics discussed today were Business Events Industry Outlook: 2021 and Beyond, Facing Risks Head On – Preparing for Live Association Meetings in A Time of Crisis, Malaysia Travel Industry Outlook: 2021 and Beyond, Infrastructure Gamechanger: Kickstarting Air Travel When the World is at Standstill and Incentive Travel Post Covid-19: Going the Point of Readiness.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian