INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
Executive Interview Feature
In Conversation with Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran - Chief Executive Officer, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau
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3 minute read
Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), brings over decades of experience in tourism, hospitality, and business events. A key figure behind the establishment of Northern Malaysia’s first state convention bureau, he now leads efforts to position Penang as a premier Business Events hub through strategic partnerships and industry development initiatives.
What differentiates Penang at a strategic level in an increasingly competitive global market?
Penang holds a distinctive strategic position within the global Business Events landscape, anchored by its strong economic fundamentals, advanced industrial ecosystem, and compelling destination appeal. 

As a key hub for manufacturing, technology, medical services, and innovation, Penang provides a robust platform for knowledge exchange, industry engagement, and high-value business discussions. Beyond its economic strengths, Penang offers a unique sense of place that enhances the overall event experience. Its UNESCO World Heritage status, multicultural heritage, and renowned culinary scene are complemented by its rich natural assets, including Penang Hill, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Together, these elements create a compelling and diverse backdrop that elevates business events beyond the conventional meeting setting. 

Collectively, these strengths define Penang as a destination for experiential meetings—where business events are enriched by culture, heritage, and environment, reinforcing its position as a strategically differentiated and highly competitive choice in the global market.
Can you tell us about PCEB’s latest campaign and what inspired its development?
PCEB’s latest campaign, Penang Inspiring Meetings, is strategically aligned with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, reinforcing Penang’s ambition to further elevate its positioning as a leading Business Events destination on the international stage. 

The campaign reflects Penang’s commitment to strengthening its global competitiveness by showcasing the state as a destination that delivers not only successful business events, but also purposeful, experience-driven engagements that generate lasting impact and value. 

Penang Inspiring Meetings is inspired by Penang’s unique ability to integrate business excellence with destination appeal. As the global meetings industry continues to evolve towards more meaningful, content-rich, and experience-led formats, Penang stands out with its strong industrial ecosystem, established connectivity, professional event infrastructure, and rich cultural identity. 

Through this campaign, PCEB aims to reinforce Penang’s role as a catalyst for ideas, collaboration, and innovation—positioning the state as a destination where business objectives are seamlessly elevated through inspiring environments and transformative experiences in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
How do partnerships with MyCEB support Penang’s long-term business events strategy?
❝ Strategic collaboration with MyCEB plays a pivotal role in advancing Penang’s long-term Business Events agenda. This partnership strengthens alignment between national and state-level efforts, enabling a more coordinated and impactful approach to destination marketing, bid development, and international positioning.❞
Strategic collaboration with MyCEB plays a pivotal role in advancing Penang’s long-term Business Events agenda. This partnership strengthens alignment between national and state-level efforts, enabling a more coordinated and impactful approach to destination marketing, bid development, and international positioning. 

Through this synergy, Penang benefits from enhanced global visibility, stronger industry networks, and increased access to high-value international events. MyCEB’s support also reinforces capacity building within the local ecosystem, empowering stakeholders including venues, industry partners, and service providers to meet evolving global standards. 

Together, this partnership drives a more sustainable and competitive Business Events ecosystem, ensuring that Penang continues to grow as a preferred destination for impactful and high-quality international events, while also playing a key role in strengthening and boosting homegrown events and exhibitions—an area that Penang continues to actively champion and develop.
What message would you like to share with international event organisers considering Penang for the first time?
International event organisers are invited to discover Penang as a destination that seamlessly combines professionalism, connectivity, and experiential value. Penang offers a well-established Business Events infrastructure supported by experienced industry professionals, reliable service providers, and a strong collaborative ecosystem. 

Beyond operational excellence, Penang delivers a compelling destination experience. Its rich cultural heritage, diverse gastronomy, and vibrant urban landscape provide an engaging environment that enhances delegate experience and adds depth to every event. 


For organisers seeking a destination that balances efficiency with authenticity, Penang presents a compelling proposition—where business objectives are achieved within an inspiring and memorable setting.
Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran - Chief Executive Officer, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau
Destination Feature: Penang for Conventions, Exhibitions, Corporate Meetings, and Incentives

Penang stands as one of Malaysia’s most established and compelling Business Events destinations, offering a sophisticated balance of infrastructure readiness, industry relevance, and distinctive destination appeal. Strategically located within the Asia-Pacific region, Penang provides excellent regional and international connectivity, making it an accessible and convenient choice for global organisers and delegates.

As a destination with a proven track record in hosting international conventions, exhibitions, corporate meetings, and incentive programmes, Penang is supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of world-class venues, internationally branded hotels, and experienced professional service providers. This integrated network ensures seamless execution across all scales of business events, from high-level board meetings to large-scale conventions and exhibitions.

Penang’s strength lies not only in its operational capability, but also in its ability to deliver enriched delegate experiences. The state’s UNESCO World Heritage status, vibrant multicultural identity, and renowned culinary landscape are complemented by its rich natural assets, including Penang Hill, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Together, these elements create a compelling environment that enhances engagement and leaves a lasting impression on visitors. This unique blend of business efficiency, heritage, and nature adds significant value to every event hosted in Penang.

For conventions and exhibitions, Penang offers modern, flexible venues equipped to support diverse industries, including manufacturing, technology, medical sciences, and innovation-driven sectors. For corporate meetings, the state provides a wide selection of professional and private spaces supported by reliable hospitality standards. For incentive travel, Penang delivers immersive experiences that combine culture, heritage, nature, and leisure, making it an attractive reward destination for corporate groups.

With strong leadership from the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and close collaboration with industry stakeholders, Penang continues to strengthen its positioning as a preferred Business Events destination in the region. Aligned with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Penang is further enhancing its global visibility and reinforcing its commitment to delivering impactful, high-quality, and memorable business events experiences. Penang is not only a destination for meetings—it is a destination that inspires connection, fosters collaboration, and elevates outcomes.

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