GEORGE TOWN, April 22 — Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are creating new opportunities for Penang to attract international conferences, as organisers shift events to the Asia-Pacific region.
Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran said thousands of displaced events are being redistributed globally.
With Penang identifying 26 international conferences as immediate targets over the next two years. He said the state has so far seen minimal disruption.
With only minor postponements and no cancellations, but acknowledged rising competition among regional destinations.
The shift presents a “window of opportunity” for Penang to strengthen its position as a business events hub, supported by its growing hospitality and tourism ecosystem.
PCEB is now actively promoting the state as a viable alternative host destination while leveraging increased demand across the Asia-Pacific region.
