The V-Convention 2023 is back in town at the Setia SPICE Convention and Setia SPICE Arena.

Around 12,000 delegates from 50 different nations have gathered in Penang. The convention supports not just the local hotel sector but also all other facets of the community's economy, such as the food and beverage industry, transportation, tourism, etc.

This time, the conference will take place across two weeks, this week and the following.

Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai along with Penang Mayor Dato A. Rajendran will be on hand to officiate the opening ceremony later this evening.

On the sidelines, present to shed light on the charitable and community engagement around the globe, dubbed RYTHM or “Raise Yourself To Help Mankind” was Ms Santhi Periasamy, Head of Foundation.

The RYTHM Foundation strives to reinforce the QI Group’s aspirations and responsibility in playing a pivotal role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On-going CSR activities in Malaysia are mainly in Sabah, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

A small group of media members met up with Santhi at the lobby of the Amari SPICE Penang over hi-tea yesterday.

“We are focussed on three main principles – Education, Empowerment and the Environment which has seen vast progress in the Orang Asli communities in Sabah (Kampung Kiulu), Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

“We have managed to set up schools for the benefit of these indigenous people there and the children are making much progress.

“Over in countries like India, we have empowered thousands of women to be trained in skills as small time entrepreneurs. They are involved in making soap and sanitary pads and make a decent income for themselves and their families.

“We also have various programmes in Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria and other parts of the world.

“However, we like to work with dependable local partners so that the allocations reach the target market.

“We also work with local universities and corporations to this aim,” added Santhi.

She also briefed the media on their Maharani school programmes and their Jaguh programme to promote football among boys and girls.

“We hope to bring football trainers and coaches from the United Kingdom to benefit the children here as we are also one of the sponsors for English League giants Manchester United,” she added.

The media representatives were also taken on a tour of the Setia SPICE Convention to get a first hand view of the on-going preparations for the V-Convention 2023.