THE international event such as the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2022 that is happening in Penang can give a strong boost to the state tourism, says Penang executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin.
Yeoh, who is in charge of the state Tourism and Creative Economy portfolio, said although Penang is just a small state in the country, the state is gradually becoming an important window for taking the pulse of the global economy.
“People from around the world come here to exchange ideas and insights.
“Thus, I believe that international events like WCIT will propel our tourism-related businesses, yielding shared prosperity, progress and developments.
“It will also boost Penang’s position as a world-class regional technology hub, reinforcing the development of a high-skilled local talent ecosystem, and further polishing Penang’s shine as the Silicon Valley of the East,” Yeoh said in his speech during the welcome reception dinner for the WCIT 2022 participants at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre (roof garden) in Bayan Lepas today.
The three-day congress, which started today, received the participation of over 4,000 registered participants.
Also known as the Olympics of the world’s information technology, the congress also featured more than 500 technology brands, occupying an exhibition space exceeding 6,500sq m.
Yeoh added that Penang is well prepared to ensure that the state’s hospitality and services sector can accommodate and facilitate global events such as WCIT 2022 and make an impeccable impression on all delegates.
“I also hope you will not only focus on the need for technology to better lives or improve business needs and modern lifestyles while in Penang but also take the opportunity to have an experiential journey and immerse yourself in the amazing food as well as the vibrant creative community that Penang has to offer,” Yeoh told delegates at the dinner.
Yeoh also invited all the delegates at the dinner reception to join the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 that will be held at the Esplanade.
“We will celebrate Malaysia Day with a series of cultural performances as well as a fireworks display on its eve, right in the heart of George Town.
“Thus, I cordially invite all of you to come enjoy the unique cultural life of the community in Penang, and hope that you will make return visits to enjoy our hospitality in the future. I wish you all a wonderful evening!” he concluded.
Also present at the dinner were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) chairman and organizing chairman of WCIT 2022 Dr Sean Seah.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian