(From right) Tamura, Wong and Ashwin admiring the Nissan GT-R. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
EVEN in an age shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, the value of face-to-face meetings, authentic connection, trust-building and knowledge exchange is undeniable.
To further this, the state’s ninth edition of its flagship business event conference, BE @ Penang 2025 themed “Be the Wave”, focused on empowering the next generation of students and young professionals through learning opportunities, mentorship and industry networking.
“Their involvement is essential in ensuring that our industry’s wave of progress continues to strengthen in the years ahead,” said Penang Convention and Exhibitions Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran in his speech at the opening.
When BE @ Penang first started, the vision was simple yet ambitious.
“We wanted to create a platform that elevates the BE (business event) community, unites industry stakeholders and encourages continuous learning and collaboration.
“Over the years, this conference has grown into a trusted platform for thought leadership, a catalyst for new partnerships and a showcase of industry’s dynamic and resilient BE ecosystem.”
Penang was evolving as a powerhouse of innovation and economic progress, Ashwin noted, which was reshaping the BE industry where new technologies, creative strategies and global connections were opening up unprecedented opportunities.
“It is more than a platform for meetings and exhibitions, it is a catalyst for knowledge exchange, investment, talent development and global con- nectivity,” added PCEB chairman and Penang tourism and creative economy chairman Wong Hon Wai in his speech.
Visitors looking at the ‘wayang kulit’ puppets at a BE @ Penang exhibition.
“The tourism and BE sectors have always moved in synergy.
“Tourism introduces the world to Penang’s heritage, warmth and creativity, while BE brings global thinkers and leaders into our ecosystem.
“Together, they form a powerful force that transforms people, ideas and industries,” said Wong.
Keynote speaker, Nissan chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamura, famously known as the father of the modern GT-R, shared his insights on visionary leadership and industry transformation.
He joined Nissan in 1984 and later transferred to Autech, a subsidiary responsible for developing high-performance Nissan cars such as the revered GT-R.
In 1993, he returned to Nissan’s product planning department and played a pivotal role in the creation of the R34 Skyline GT-R.
By 2006 he had risen to become Nissan chief product specialist, earning his place as the architect of its modern evolution.
He is also a celebrated race car driver and video game influencer.
The event held at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas also showcased local handicraft like batik and wayang kulit puppets, basketry by the visually impaired and a coffee brand that channels proceeds to youth-focused charities.
