HOSTING IN PENANG

Emerging from its quaint laidback pace of the 1960s and 1970s, Penang underwent massive development in the 1980s and 1990s as its manufacturing industry emerged one of the largest in the region. Today, Penang is a thriving business and tourism hub in Northern Malaysia. Penang has consistently for the past few years been a choice location for foreign investors, a favourite travel destination and a top 10 place to retire in the world!

| Penang’s incomparable architecture, inspiring cuisine, colourful culture and sincere hospitality offers visitors an authentic and exceptional Asian experience.

| Venues & Facilities

As a popular tourist destination with over 1.4 million international visitors for the last two years, Penang has hundreds of establishments that double as service providers for MICE events. This bedrock of support complements the existing convention centres in the state – the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) and Straits Quay Convention Centre on the island, with the Sunway Carnival Convention Centre and Seberang Prai Arena on the mainland. The list is set to expand with the Waterfront Exhibition and Convention Centre.

 

| Strategic Location

The Pearl of the Orient has a favoured strategic position in Southeast Asia, located in the Straits of Malacca between Langkawi and Phuket up north, and Malacca and Singapore down south. This makes Penang a focal point for international direct flights from China, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Myanmar.

 

| Transport & Accessibility

Penang is directly accessible from 22 major local and regional airports, and over 100 local and international destinations via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2). The Penang International Airport is only a 30 minutes’ drive away from the heart of George Town, and a 50 minutes’ flight from KLIA.

Public transport in Penang is easily accessible and economical. Taxis, ferries, trains and RapidPenang buses – which include the free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses – all form a system that enable commuters to reach anywhere in Penang. RapidPenang buses also provide assistance for wheelchair users to board on and off.

 

| Competitive Economy

Part of the culture of Penang is the local idea of value: That great quality should be accompanied by competitive prices. Those that fall below this standard don’t thrive long in Penang. The result is that hosting world-class events in Penang is cost effective. Most of the local service providers – hotels, transport, entertainment and dining operators – provide value-for-money experiences in Penang, making the state an ideal yet affordable location for any event.

 

| Rich Heritage

At the heart of Penang’s vibrant economy and modernity is its unique multicultural heritage. Microcosms of South, East, and Southeast Asian communities have been living in Penang for generations, making the vibrant intersection of Asia’s rich diversity a truly Penang experience.

On 7 July 2008, the historic enclave of George Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inscription comes as a recognition of the city’s unique architectural and cultural townscape, unparalleled to anywhere in Asia.

 

| Business and Leisure

Big things come in small sizes, and Penang is no different. Malaysia’s second smallest state packs a punch in the quality and quantity of group activities, venues and social tours that are available all year round for the enjoyment of your business guests. Unique to the state is its fascinating blend of cultures, rich heritage and natural beauty. Be it at a sandy beach, the heart of George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Zone or in the dewy jungles of Penang Hill, it’s always time to work hard and play hard.

 

| Government Support

Penang’s untapped potential to become a global powerhouse for MICE has been recognised by the state government. The Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) assists and advises MICE organisers and planners on bidding, venue choices and service providers, marketing and promoting, and liaising with government authorities. With PCEB, every event is carefully curated to provide an unlimited experience of Penang.