Chow (seventh, from left), with Ling on his right, together with the VIPs and state delegation on their visit to the new Penang Waterfront Convention Centre at The Light City in Gelugor, Penang.
CONVENTION tourism sector in Penang has recorded strong growth in recent years, with the industry generating an estimated economic impact exceeding RM1bil last year.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the sector has become a vital lifeline for local industries, bolstering transportation, retail, hospitality and supply chains.
He added that with the upcoming Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) in Gelugor, the state expected a fresh influx of events.
“We expect this economic contribution to rise significantly in 2026.
“The addition of PWCC is not about competing with existing venues, but rather unlocking Penang’s full potential as a premier meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) hub for the northern region and country as a whole,” Chow said after leading a state delegation on a visit to the centre.
Chow said Penang’s MICE industry recorded steady growth over the past few years, driven by the efforts of Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and the state tourism and creative economy committee.
A view of the interior of the convention centre. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
“It is crucial that we ensure sufficient facilities are in place to meet rising demands, both in terms of tourist arrivals and the number of organisers choosing Penang as their preferred destination,” he said.
Addressing concerns regarding a potential retail glut with the inclusion of a shopping centre at PWCC, IJM Perennial Development director Datuk Tony Ling said it would complement the area’s mixed-use development.
“The retail component is part of an integrated project including the convention centre, offices and hotels,” he said.
“It is not intended to compete with existing malls.”
Ling added that the mall would function as a catalyst by providing amenities to support the overall development and surrounding community.
“For this development, a glut is not an issue. The mall has a clear, specific purpose in supporting the mixed-use environment and the activities generated by the convention centre,” he said.
