Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, when it opens in October 2025, is set to be Penang’s third and largest MICE venue.
Located by the sea and flanked by the Penang Bridge, the aptly named Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), aims to draw upon Penang’s charm to entice MICE events and groups starting October 2025.
It is Penang’s third and largest MICE venue, and one which will be managed by Korea International Exhibition Centre (KINTEX), which also manages Yashobhoomi Exhibition Centre in New Delhi, India where it recorded sales of US$12 million last year.
A key component of Malaysian developer IJM Land’s RM4.5 billion The Light City mixed-use development, PWCC is expected to attract over 30,000 delegates this year, generating approximately RM55.5 million for Penang’s economy, said IJM Land CEO Tony Ling Thou Lung.
“Once completed, it will be complemented by surrounding attractions like The Waterfront Shoppes, one of the largest waterfront malls in Penang, international five-star join venture by Hyatt and four-star Galaxy Minyoun hotels.
“Two luxury high-rise residential developments and a 750m-long waterfront promenade are also included, with the PWCC enhancing The Light City’s appeal as a comprehensive MICE destination,” Ling added.
“With Penang’s economic foundation and strong demand base, combined with KINTEX’s experience and know-how, I hope PWCC will become a leading convention centre in Southeast Asia.”
Lee Dong-Hwan, Mayor, Goyang Special City
A subsidiary of Korea state-owned KINTEX, KinMalaysia Management, signed an operation service agreement with IJM Perennial Development, a joint venture between IJM Corporation and Perennial Holdings, on 11 April, to enable KINTEX to leverage its extensive international network and expertise to manage PWCC, which spans 31,600 sqm in gross floor area.
While the exhibition hall measures 7,060 sqm in net lettable area, it has an expansive column-free space, meeting rooms and VIP lounges as well as ancillary spaces to host 8,000 guests.
“KINTEX is a key player in Korea’s MICE industry with a successful track record of hosting numerous large-scale international exhibitions and conferences.
“With Penang’s economic foundation and strong demand base, combined with KINTEX’s experience and know-how, I hope PWCC will become a leading convention centre in Southeast Asia,” Goyang Special City Mayor Lee Dong-Hwan said.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed between PWCC and state-owned Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) to enhance the MICE industry.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (seventh from left) with Korea's Goyang Special City Mayor Lee Dong-Hwan (on Chow's left) at the operation service agreement and MoU event for Penang Waterfront Convention Centre on 11 April 2025.Boosting Penang’s MICE ambitions
A popular destination among tourists where over 800,000 foreign visitors arrived via the Penang International Airport last year, Penang, also a major manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, is making its name in the MICE sector as well.
In 2024, about 2,000 conferences with over 300,000 delegates were recorded by SPICE Arena and Penang International Convention Cultural and Arts Centre, which translated to an economic impact of RM1.4 billion for the state, PCEB CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran said.
Penang government body, PCEB, is tasked with jointly bidding for events in Malaysia and overseas with the private sector. It has over 100 industry partners registered with them to win tenders.
According to Gunasekeran, PWCC will boost the MICE industry growth by 35% this year given the number of events already lined up from October onwards, such as the 7th Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development, K-Brand Week with K-Beauty Expo Malaysia, and Water Tech Asia 2025.
“Spice Arena’s calendar is full for the next few years. We are losing out on business because there's no other large-scale venue on Penang island. That’s why PWCC makes a complementing factor as a purpose-built venue for exhibitions.”
Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau
“Spice Arena’s calendar is full for the next few years. We are losing out on business because there's no other large-scale venue on Penang island,” said Gunasekeran. “That’s why PWCC makes a complementing factor as a purpose-built venue for exhibitions. It is non-carpeted and pillarless, with the added advantage of moving in large exhibitions, car shows, concerts and more.”
With the growth of MICE events in Penang, he said there should be more venues as the calendar PCEB is working on has stretched to 2032. “Even in the next two or three years, I'm very sure that I wouldn't be able to get the dates at PWCC or SPICE,” said Gunasekeran.
“It’s the same problem because when SPICE initially started, the question was, ‘Are you sure we’ll be able to fill up the arena?’ And today everyone is fighting for dates. I believe PWCC will face the same situation in the coming two years.”