Penang Waterfront Convention Centre Strengthens MICE Industry With South Korean Partnership

GEORGE TOWN, April 11 (Bernama) -- Ahead of its official opening in October this year, the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) has formed a strategic partnership with a South Korean convention centre specialist to enhance the state’s meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the strategic partnership is a sign of the growing friendship between Penang and South Korea, not just culturally but economically and strategically as well.

“These partnerships between IJM Perennial Development Sdn Bhd and KinMalaysia Management Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Korea International Exhibition Centre (KINTEX), and between Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and KINTEX are an exciting leap forward in hosting bigger conventions, smarter collaborations and more international exposure for Penang.

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“Last year alone, Penang hosted over 2,000 business events, brought in more than 300,000 delegates and generated an estimated RM1.29 billion in economic impact,” he said in his speech at the partnership signing ceremony here, today.

Also present were the Goyang Special City Mayor Lee Dong-Hwan, Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, IJM Perennial director Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung, PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran and KINTEX chief executive officer Lee Jae-yul.

Meanwhile, Ling said PWCC’s inaugural event calendar for 2025 is rapidly filling up and among confirmed events include the 7th Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development, Malaysia International Tech Edu, K-Brand Week featuring the K-Beauty Expo Malaysia, and Water Tech Asia.

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He said PWCC is expected to attract over 30,000 delegates in its inaugural year, generating approximately RM55.5 million for Penang’s economy.

PWCC is set to become the largest convention facility in the state with 76,000 square feet in net lettable area. It will have a seating capacity of 5,500 guests (banquet) and 8,000 guests (theatre).

It includes meeting rooms, VIP lounges, ease of access to retail and food and beverage outlets, ample car parking bays and immediate guest access to the hotel.

PWCC is an anchor component of The Light City development, which encompasses the largest waterfront retail mall in Penang, international hotels, premium office towers and high-end residences.

-- BERNAMA