PENANG is investing in the next generation of Business Events (BE) professionals through a partnership between the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and six institutions of higher learning.
The collaboration aims to equip students with the skills and industry exposure needed for careers in the fast-growing sector by offering practical experience and opportunities to engage with industry professionals.
The memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed in conjunction with PCEB’s BE Associate programme, a talent development initiative that connects students with the industry.
The participating institutions are Sentral College Penang, Disted College, Inti International College Penang, SEGi College Penang, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College (Batu Kawan Campus) and Taylor’s University (Lakeside Campus).
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said nurturing skilled talent was crucial to ensuring Penang remained competitive as a leading BE destination.
Describing BE as a high-value tourism segment, Hon Wai said conferences, exhibitions and corporate meetings attracted quality visitors, generated economic opportunities and enhanced Penang’s international profile.
“The benefits extend beyond hotels and event organisers – to restaurants, transport providers, creative industries and local businesses.
“As the industry continues to grow, so too must our investment in talent,” he said at the signing ceremony.
Hon Wai added that the collaboration between the state government, industry and academia would give students valuable real-world exposure, while helping them develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment.
He said the partnership would strengthen talent development, capacity building, professional growth and career readiness.
Through the BE Associate programme, students will have access to industry-led conferences, forums, workshops, internships and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Hon Wai said Penang’s competitiveness depended not only on the events it attracted, but also on the people it nurtured.
“Infrastructure can attract events, but talented people create memorable experiences, build lasting reputations and keep visitors coming back.”
He added that the collaboration would further reinforce Penang’s position as one of Asia’s leading BE destinations.
Also present were PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Disted College president Datuk Lim Si Boon, Inti International College Penang chief executive officer Hemalatha Murugiah, SEGi College Penang principal Leong Mi-Chelle, Sentral College Penang deputy principal Tan Peng Hooi, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College vice-chancellor Prof Dr Chong Beng Keok and Taylor’s University head of school of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Assoc Prof Dr Kandappan Balasubramanian.
