Emerging sectors include advanced manufacturing, AI and marine-related industries. Photo Credit: AdobeStock/Sergii Figurnyi
Penang recorded a 64.7% growth in business events, according to Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
In 2025, Penang hosted a total of 3,391 business events, marking a 64.7% increase compared to 2,059 events in 2024.
The number of delegates surged to 451,198, up 47.8% from the previous year, while total room nights reached 824,505, representing a 47.6% growth.
The sector collectively contributed to an estimated economic event impact of RM1.91 billion (US$484.5 million).
Against this backdrop, high potential sectors for the destination include advanced manufacturing, AI and marine-related industries, according to Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Exco for Tourism & Creative Economy,
The growth comes amid aggressive infrastructure development in the Malaysian destination, which saw 2,000 hotel rooms added in 2025.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, highlighted the bureau’s approach: “By using data, market intelligence, and global best practices, we refine our strategies to help partners transform opportunities into real
outcomes and measurable impact across Penang’s business events ecosystem.”