DELEGATES from the global business events industry gathered at the historic dual conferences – the ICCA Asia Pacific Summit 2019 and the BE@Penang 2019 – marking a major milestone for both Penang and the Asia Pacific Chapter of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
Penang won the bid to host the inaugural ICCA Asia Pacific Summit and the conference was held concurrently with the fourth edition of the state’s homegrown conference BE@Penang at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
The two-day conferences, which started today (Dec 5), featured 40 speakers from 20 countries and over 350 delegates.
Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the collaboration and networking between the delegates would generate better ideas and perspectives to further grow the business events market share in the region.
“The delegates are market leaders in their own field and in their respective countries. They are the ones who are ‘moving’ the businesses around, hence, it is an advantage for Penang as a business events destination.
“We strive to make Penang as one of the leading business events destination in the Asia Pacific region.
“The MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) industry is not new to Penang. It is timely to grow the other segments of the pie and we are doing very well,” Ashwin said when met at the event today.
ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter chairman Jason Yeh said the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter now has 291 members from 16 countries and territories.
“The membership is still growing at a steady pace and it could not be made possible without your professionalism and support.
“The ICCA Asia Pacific Summit is a place for us to meet and interact as a Chapter and as the Asia Pacific tribe; outside the regular ICCA congresses and IMEX shows. A big ‘terima kasih’ to the ICCA Malaysia Committee for your teamwork.
“It is my dream to see that the Summit will grow stronger in the coming years,” he said in his speech.
Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the business events industry is an important sector in the state’s economic development.
“Penang has its own unique appeal and ecosystem for business events. Look at this pillarless ballroom of Setia SPICE Convention Centre. It has the capacity to host up to 10,000 people!
“Penang is proud to showcase its culture, the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site, attractive places of interest such as The Habitat Penang Hill and The TOP Penang, and obviously its mouth-watering street food. There are many more places in Penang for visitors to experience and enjoy,” Yeoh said.
Yeoh said he was given the opportunity to attend the IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany this year.
“I understand there is a huge potential for business events.
“I believe that with these dual conferences, we are able to prepare ourselves further for what is to come in the future.
“We are able to ensure the sustainability of various tourism products by encouraging tourists to take up experiential travel trips in Penang,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow congratulated the delegates for making the historic convergence a success.
“I hope that you will not only prosper from the insights and knowledge that you gained over the two days, but also immerse yourself in Penang’s warm hospitality and experience.
“May you emerge as a more engaged, empowered and exceptional individual who is prepared for the future,” he said in a video message.
The two-day conferences were organised by PCEB, Anderes Fourdy Events Sdn Bhd and ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter.
Also present were ICCA president James Rees and the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter chairman Khoo Boo Lim.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi