Power in people: PCEB CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran speaking at BE @ Penang 2025.
Beyond infrastructure, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is looking to people and ideas to drive the next phase of business events – a theme evident at BE @ Penang 2025, which took place at Setia Spice Convention Centre on 11-12 December.
While emphasising the importance of infrastructure as industry bedrock, PCEB chairman Wong Hon Wai stressed the key roles played by the people and their dynamic cultures as the essential soft power that both strengthens global connections and drives business events to greater heights.
In his opening speech at BE @ Penang 2025, the Penang State Executive Councillor For Tourism & Creative Economy expressed hope that Penang’s expanding global connectivity and people-centric PENANG2030 vision have helped shape a destination that is not only known for hosting events but also help chart a bright future of the industry by facilitating idea transformation and community empowerment.
Sharing this progressive outlook is Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB.
In a world shaped by technology, Gunasekeran advocates that the true power of the industry remains in human connection, face-to-face meetings, knowledge exchange and trust building.
Such soft power builds on a robust business events environment, propped up by air connectivity and facilities infrastructure.
Wong said that Penang is enjoying increased direct flight frequencies to 20 international cities in Southeast Asia, North Asia, Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.
"Apart from newly established air links from Yangon, Chengdu, Jakarta and Medan, there are plans to further expand Penang's connectivity with other places worldwide in 2026 and beyond."
Together with more hotel openings by recognised global brands in 2026, the recent official launch of the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, northern Malaysia's largest exhibition & convention centre, is expected to boost Penang's prominence in the regional MICE ecosystem.