PENANG is dedicated to promoting the development of the state’s information and technology industries, especially in the manufacturing sector.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was investing substantially in the latest technology and adopting smart digital solutions.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and the Malaysia Robotics & Automation Society (MyRAS) is key to realising the state’s vision to enhance technology and automation in the hospitality industry.
“We believe that this effort will further catalyse the transformation of the travel and services industry, as well as generate more business opportunities for the community.
“I hope that the 7th edition of BE @ Penang 2022 conference will be a successful one.
“I hope that the speakers and delegates will have a fantastic time exchanging knowledge and make the most out of the networking session,” he said in his speech before opening the two-day conference at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.
The BE @ Penang 2022, theme ‘Be Forward’, is being held today and tomorrow. It is aimed at discussing the opportunities to level up business events in the country.
The topics of discussion comprised sustainability, events game theory, and nurturing youths to create a better business ecosystem.
Chow expressed his hope that the younger generation would benefit from the session.
“PCEB has been instrumental in putting Penang on the world map for business events. The bureau worked tirelessly for the past two years, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Penang hosted 77 business events last year (2021) and successfully recorded RM14 million in Estimated Economic Impact (EEI).
“PCEB is expecting 2,500 events with a total of 260,000 delegates next year (2023). The events are set to generate EEI of RM1 billion,” he said.
In a brief press conference shortly after the event, Chow told reporters that many events in the state have been scheduled from next year onwards until 2026.
“The events will be a boost for Penang as they will generate revenue and growth for the state. Penang’s strong manufacturing and industrial ecosystem have prompted many events related to medical tourism and semiconductors to be held here,” he said.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin was pleased with the return of BE @ Penang 2022 in a physical format.
“The conference is an important platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and opportunity.
“We hope the international guests will take their time to visit Penang and experience its culture, arts, and warm hospitality,” he said.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the MoU signing with MyRAS offers potential skills and technical training to the future workforce.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting