Penang is set to strengthen its position as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) destination in Southeast Asia with the upcoming opening of the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) in October 2025. The state’s largest convention centre to date will be managed by Korea International Exhibition Centre (KINTEX), a renowned name in the global MICE industry.

Located by the sea and framed by the iconic Penang Bridge, the 31,600 sqm PWCC is a centrepiece of The Light City, a RM4.5 billion mixed-use development by IJM Land. The venue boasts a 7,060 sqm pillarless exhibition hall, meeting rooms, VIP lounges, and event spaces capable of hosting up to 8,000 guests. It is expected to attract over 30,000 delegates annually and generate an estimated RM55.5 million for the local economy, said IJM Land CEO Tony Ling Thou Lung.

Once fully operational, PWCC will be complemented by nearby developments, including The Waterfront Shoppes (one of Penang’s largest malls), Hyatt and Galaxy Minyoun hotels, luxury residences, and a 750-metre waterfront promenade.

KINTEX, a state-owned entity under the Korean government, brings to Penang its expertise in managing high-impact venues such as Korea’s largest exhibition centre and India’s Yashobhoomi Exhibition Centre in New Delhi—where it reported US$12 million in sales last year. Its Malaysian subsidiary, KinMalaysia Management, signed an operating agreement with IJM Perennial Development (a joint venture between IJM Corporation and Perennial Holdings) on 11 April 2025.

“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,” said Lee Dong-Hwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, Korea.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between PWCC and the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) to jointly promote the state’s MICE sector. Gunasekeran, a representative from PCEB, highlighted the urgent need for additional large-scale venues, noting that SPICE Arena is fully booked until 2032.

“We are already losing business because there’s no other sizeable venue on Penang Island,” he said. “PWCC fills that gap. It’s purpose-built, non-carpeted, pillarless, and suitable for exhibitions, car shows, concerts, and more. Just like SPICE in its early days, PWCC will soon be in high demand.”

With MICE activity on the rise and an increasing number of regional and global events targeting Penang, PWCC is poised to play a transformative role in Malaysia’s business events landscape.