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Penang’s Conferences, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) business recorded an estimated financial influence (EEI) of RM1 billion in 2025, reinforcing the sector’s rising function in supporting the state’s tourism and property ecosystem.
State Tourism and Inventive Economic system Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai mentioned the determine displays the broad spillover results of MICE actions, benefitting transportation, retail, hospitality and provide chain-related sectors throughout Penang.
Based on him, the opening of the Penang Waterfront Conference Centre (PWCC) is predicted to additional elevate the sector’s contribution in 2026, as demand for occasion internet hosting in Penang continues to pattern upward. It’s anticipated that the precise financial influence may exceed present estimates as the brand new facility positive aspects traction.
Wong was talking after working go to to PWCC at The Mild Metropolis with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Additionally current was Tony Ling Thou Lung, director of IJM Company Bhd.
Chow famous that Penang’s MICE phase has proven regular development over current years, supported by coordinated efforts from the Penang Conference & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and Penang World Tourism (PGT). He mentioned PWCC is predicted to strengthen Penang’s place as a MICE and tourism hub, not just for the northern area but in addition on the nationwide degree.
Importantly, Chow confused that the introduction of PWCC just isn’t aimed toward competing with present venues. As a substitute, it’s designed to accommodate rising demand from organisers and delegates who’re more and more selecting Penang as an occasion vacation spot.
PWCC has been operational since October final 12 months, including a brand new large-scale facility to Penang’s present MICE ecosystem. Chow mentioned that by mid-2026, the supporting parts throughout the improvement — together with a shopping center, workplace areas and a lodge — are anticipated to be absolutely accomplished.
“This built-in improvement will play a big function in enhancing Penang’s total attractiveness as a MICE vacation spot and assist unlock additional tourism and financial potential,” he mentioned.
On considerations surrounding a possible oversupply of retail area, Chow emphasised that the mixed-use parts throughout the PWCC precinct ought to be seen as supporting infrastructure quite than standalone developments.
“The shopping center, workplaces and lodge are integral components of the conference centre ecosystem. They supply important facilities and companies for occasions, guests and the encompassing space, and act as a catalyst for broader improvement,” he added.
IJM’s Ling echoed this view, saying the shopping center element just isn’t supposed so as to add to an oversupply of malls in Penang. As a substitute, it’s a part of a fastidiously deliberate mixed-use improvement with a selected function in supporting the conference centre, workplace and hospitality makes use of.
“Oversupply suggests an absence of planning or relevance. On this case, the retail element serves the wants of the precinct and enhances the general improvement,” he mentioned.
PWCC types a part of a RM4.5 billion freehold waterfront mission with a gross flooring space exceeding 330,000 sq ft. The event is strategically positioned alongside the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, close to the Penang Bridge and The Mild Waterfront.
The mission is a three way partnership between IJM and Perennial Holdings Non-public Ltd, and is positioned as a key anchor in Penang’s long-term waterfront and MICE-led improvement technique.
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