The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) proudly

launched the Business Events Penang 2024 Annual Review today at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The event was graced by the Chief Minister of Penang,

YAB Chow Kon Yeow, the Penang State Exco for Tourism & Creative Economy

(PETACE), YB Wong Hon Wai, and the Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, Mr. Ashwin

Gunasekeran. Together, they provided invaluable insights into Penang’s thriving

Business Events landscape and the state's remarkable progress over the past year.

The Business Events Penang 2024 Annual Review showcases a year of exceptional

growth, reinforcing Penang’s position as a leading destination for Business Events. In

2024, the state successfully hosted 2,059 business events, representing a substantial

240.9% increase compared to the previous year. These events attracted 305,259

delegates, marking an 87.3% rise, while the total room nights generated reached

558,543, reflecting a steady 3.6% increase. Most notably, the Estimated Economic

Impact (EEI) soared to RM1.29 billion, a remarkable 24.8% increase from 2023. These

achievements underscore the strength of Penang’s infrastructure, strategic initiatives,

and the continuous efforts by PCEB to position the state as a premier destination for

conferences, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.

Speaking at the launch, YAB Chow Kon Yeow commended the industry’s outstanding

performance and highlighted its economic significance. “The Business Events sector

has not only demonstrated resilience but has also played a crucial role in driving

Penang’s economic growth. The RM1.29 billion impact underscores the vast

opportunities that business events bring, contributing significantly to tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated. YB Wong Hon Wai emphasized the role of strategic partnerships and government support in facilitating this remarkable progress. “These achievements reaffirm Penang’s reputation as a premier Business Events destination in Asia. As we look ahead, we will continue to strengthen our offerings, attract high-impact events, and expand our industry collaborations to further enhance Penang’s appeal,” he said.

Building on this momentum, Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran outlined PCEB’s vision to exceed the 2024 benchmarks by focusing on deeper industry engagement, targeted

promotional efforts, and enhanced incentives. “Our goal is to sustain and accelerate this growth by leveraging our extensive industry network, embracing digital advancements, and continuously elevating the quality of events hosted in Penang. The rising number of business events has led to greater economic opportunities, increased employment, and a strengthened global presence for Penang,” he remarked. PCEB remains committed to working closely with local and international stakeholders to ensure Penang remains a top-tier destination for Business Events. With a strong emphasis on innovation, strategic development, and industry collaboration, the state is poised to achieve even greater success in 2025.