Dato’ Sri Dr Haji Irmohizam Ibrahim

Group Managing Director

World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL)

Assoc Prof Dr. Jane Gew Lai Ti

Associate Professor

Sunway University School of Medical and Life Sciences

K.Aveena Devi

Mixed Media Artist, Author,

Motivational Speaker

Datin Lorela Chia

President

Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI)

Makoto Batori

Executive Director

PACIFICO Yokohama

Oh Ying Ying

Director

ESG Associates Sdn Bhd

Dee Dee Quah

CMP, CED, SEPC

Conference Partners

Sarah Kedah

Co-founder

Kloth Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

View all speakers

Here's What We Enjoyed!

Inspiring talks from thought leaders of our generation.

Networking Opportunities with other professionals.

A chance to expand your knowledge.

A fun and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

About BE @ Penang

BE @ Penang is Malaysia’s biggest business events conference owned by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and supported by the Penang State Government. The annual conference is the Bureau's lead educational and skill-sharing programming that serves as a catalyst for the collective effort in developing a matured and competitive business events industry. BE @ Penang is co-organised by PCEB and Malaysia's leading professional conference organiser, Conference Partners.


BE @ Penang 2023, themed "BE Reinvents," is all about propelling you into the future. It's time to embark on a journey of transformation!


As we enter the eighth edition of BE @ Penang, we're committed to taking the business events industry to new heights. We believe it's crucial to embrace fundamental transformation and recognize that business events are evolving. We're here to provide you with the insights and tools you need to thrive in this changing landscape.

Let's unite with a shared vision to reinvent the business events industry. Together, we'll level up and navigate the path forward.


Welcome to BE @ Penang 2023 – BE Reinvents!

The Rt. Hon. Chow Kon Yeow

Chief Minister Of Penang

YB Wong Hon Wai

Chairman, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Penang State Executive Councillor For Tourism & Creative Economy

Ashwin Gunasekeran

Chief Executive Officer, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)

Be a part of our force for good

In an ever-evolving landscape, this year's theme "BE Reinvents" reflects our industry's commitment to transformation. We're driven to make business events more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.


Our mission goes beyond the industry itself – we aim to be catalysts for change, playing a vital role in the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity (DEI) movement. By reimagining event design, technology, and resources, we become catalysts for sparking inspiration and progress across the diverse industries we serve.


Join us in this journey towards a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for the business event industry and the global community it serves.

Key Topics

Innovation and Technology

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Collaboration and Networking

Creativity and Design

Innovation and Technology
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Collaboration and Networking
Creativity and Design

Programme Highlight

Day 1
(Thu, 7 Dec 2023)

Day 2
(Fri, 8 Dec 2023)

Time

Session

Description

08:30 - 09:15

Registration

-

09:00 - 09:20

Enter Ballroom

-

09:20 - 10:00

Opening Ceremony

-

10:00 - 10:30

Keynote Lecture

speaker

BE Reinvents : Creating A More Sustainable, Inclusive and Impactful Industry
by Julius Solaris, Event Industry Speaker & Entrepreneur

10:30 - 11:00

Short Break

-

11:00 - 12:00

Convention Centres, Community and City : Where Do We Go From Here?

speaker

PACIFICO Yokohama, The Convention Centre that Transformed A City and Country
by Makoto Batori, Executive Director of PACIFICO Yokohama


speaker

The Making of a Global Leader : Rejuvenating The Business Events Industry
by Dato' Sri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim, Group Managing Director of World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL)


speaker

BE Reinvents : Shaping the Dream Convention Centre of the Future
by Jason Yeh, GIS founder and IAPCO Council


speaker

Moderator :
Wai Kin Wong, Regional Director of ICCA Asia Pacific

12:00 - 12:15

Asia Venue Alliance MOU Signing Ceremony

Asia Venue Alliance (AVA) is a strategic alliance among Asian non-capital city convention centres that aims to elevate the business event market in the Asia as it is most promising region and the demand for alternative destinations for rotating international conference is increasing. With this collaboration, alliance venues are able to drive industry growth by leveraging synergies and strength, create an unified regional brand as to enhance recognition in global business event market and share business leads, industry knowledge, event experience & expertise and technical skills.

  1. Ariyana Convention Centre, Danang, Vietnam
  2. Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, Indonesia
  3. Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
  4. ICC Tainan, Taiwan
  5. Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang, Malaysia

12:15 - 14:00

Lunch

-

14:00 - 15:00

The Business of Business Events - Measuring Sustainability

Move beyond the basics and discover what it really takes to make your event genuinely sustainable - more than just saying 'no' to plastic straws. Join our sustainability experts for insights on the elements that set truly sustainable events apart. From eco-friendly practices to navigating available international certifications, get ready to understand global trends and how we can host events that leave a net positive impact.

speaker

From Ideas to Impact: ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management
by Lilian Chee, Business Development Manager, BSI Malaysia


speaker

Integrate Sustainability into Your Business Event : Practical Insights
by Oh Ying Ying, Director of ESG Associates Sdn Bhd


speaker

Event Sustainability Report of the 52nd Malaysian Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting 2023. Outcomes and Lessons Learnt
by Dee Dee Quah, CMP, CED, SEPC, Conference Partners


speaker

Moderator :
Dee Dee Quah, CMP, CED, SEPC, Conference Partners

15:00 - 16:00

Spotlight : Ask Me Anything on Marketing and Event Technology

speaker


Join us as we put Julius Solaris under the spotlight.

Julius Solaris is regarded as the most influential individual in the event industry. He speaks on events, event technology and marketing.


speaker

Moderator :
Richard Soo, Director of MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners

16:00

Tea and End of Day 1

-

Time

Session

Description

08:45 - 09:30

Registration

-

09:30 - 10:30

Breaking Barriers: Making Events and Travel Industry More Inclusive

DEI is not a trend. Is your organisation and event ready to embrace diversity and inclusivity? We bring together 2 inspiring young adults who have overcome different disability challenges in their youth to fight for their space in the our society. BE @ Penang is proud to engage them as speakers. They will be sharing with us their perspective on study, travel, work and getting around our cities so that our industry is better prepared to welcome them and witness their potential.

speaker

A World Without Limits: A Differently Abled Speaker’s Perspective on Creating More Inclusive Events
By K. Aveena Devi, Author, Artist and Motivational Speaker who was born with spina bifida


speaker

From Braille to Audio Description: A Complete Guide to Making Events and Travel Industry Accessible for People with Visual Impairments
By Ernest Teoh, Undergraduate Blind Student and Avid Traveller


speaker

Moderator :
Dee Dee Quah, CMP, CED, SEPC, Conference Partners

10:30 - 11:00

Break

-

11:00 - 12:30
(90 mins)

Beyond Zero : Tackling Waste in Business Events

Event waste is a major environmental problem, but it’s also a challenge that we can all solve together. This session will bring together stakeholders from across the event industry to discuss innovative ideas and solutions for reducing waste. We'll also brainstorm actionable steps that you can implement at your next event.

speaker

Panel of Experts :
• Allen Lian, Co-Lead of Sustainable Markets Programme and Responsible Forestry Manager of WWF-Malaysia


speaker

• Jaggarao Simancha, VP Advocacy MACEOS


speaker

• Assoc Prof Dr Jane Gew Lai Ti, Sunway University. A Chemist, Skilled in Colloid Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Waste Management and Sustainable Development


speaker

• Sarah Kedah, Co-Founder of KLOTH Malaysia.
Accelerator of textiles, clothing and plastics circular economy in Malaysia, Singapore, UAE


speaker

Moderator :
Datin Lorela Chia, President of the Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI)

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

-

13:30 - 14:30

DeafBeat Workshop

“DeafBeat” is a project by the Pusat Majudiri Y for the Deaf, YMCA of Kuala Lumpur. It consists of 8 Deaf youths who have undergone many challenges and obstacles in their lives simply because they cannot hear. In spite of their disability, they are determined to “hear” the drums and their perseverance, determination and hard work has enabled them to overcome their disability.

Since November 2007, the group has been giving more than 100 drumming performances to the public, both locally and internationally.

Join us for the workshop and experience how to play drum without hearing!

*Limited to first 60 participants

14:30 - 15:30

Navigating Work As A Young Leader In Our Bustling Industry

We put together a panel of young leaders from different backgrounds to share their point of view working in the Business Events industry. This session is for those entering our industry as well as those of us working with them.

speaker

Assembling the Team: Story of A Young Leader in Business Events Industry
By Catherine Khor, Project Director of Anderes Fourdy Events


speaker

Young Leaders in Business Events Industry Lead Change and Drive Impact in Japan
by Kanako Kinoe, Corporate Planning Division, PACIFICO Yokohama


speaker

My Motivation In The BE Industry
by Takaya Akai, General Affairs Manager of PACIFICO Yokohama


speaker

Moderator :
Wai Kin Wong, Regional Director of ICCA Asia Pacific

15:30 - 15:45

Break

15:45 - 16:15

Research Travel

speaker

Research Travel - New Opportunities And A Global Market
By Prof Dr. Yang Zhenzhi, Executive Chairman of World Research Travel Organization (WRTO)


speaker

Moderator :
Mint Leong, Secretary of World Research Travel Organization – Malaysian Chapter

16:15 - 16:45

Can Event Sustainability Be Profitable?

This session aims to help participants to explore sustainability practices in their business operation by aligning business processes towards contributing to the Sustainability Development Goals (SDG). It highlights benefits of ESG reporting as the driver for process and resources optimization. At the end of the talk, participants are able to cascade relevant SDGs into business practice with measurable sustainability improvements and profitability.

speaker

Changing Perspective: Turning Business Event Sustainability Practice Into Profit
By Ts. Fong Yit Meng, Sustainability Management Development Consultant
i-KITAR


speaker

Moderator :
Datin Lorela Chia, President of the Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI)

16:45 - 17:15

Closing Lecture

speaker

My Predictions for 2024. Trends and Technology
by Julius Solaris, Event Industry Speaker & Entrepreneur

17:15

Closing Speech

-

Cocktail starts at 17:30
until late

Finale Party at SPICE Rooftop Garden

Theme: Light it Up!
View Full Programme

Be a Green Traveler.
It starts with you.

Train from KL Sentral to Butterworth followed by a car journey to Setia SPICE Convention Centre.

Air travel from KLIA / KLIA 2 / Subang Airport to Penang.

A single person per car driving from KL Sentral to Setia SPICE Convention Centre. We recommend carpooling.

Conference Venue

Setia SPICE Convention Centre


Setia SPICE Convention Centre is a world-class event venue located in the vibrant city of Penang, Malaysia. The venue is Eco Green GBI certified as the world 1st hybrid solar-powered convention centre. On a bright day, SPICE Convention Centre draws 0 (zero) energy from the national grid. Some of its outstanding eco-friendly features include expansive green spaces, green technology, energy efficient systems, redevelopment of an existing building and social inclusive design.

Find in Google Maps

Stay at Penang

Amari SPICE Penang

Amari SPICE Penang is the city’s leading hotel offering vibrant experiences to guests whether on a business or leisure trip, conveniently connected to the SPICE Convention Centre.


Situated at the centre of it all in the heart of Penang’s Central Business District in Bayan Lepas and just a 5km drive away from Penang International Airport.


An exceptional venue for any occasion, and the place to relax, meet and celebrate with families, friends and colleagues from near or far.


Your private abode awaits at the hotel that offers 453 contemporary designed guest rooms and suites with market-inspired Amaya Food Gallery, D’Observatory Sky Bar, Cascade, Executive Lounge, and recreational facilities such as Breeze Spa, FIT Centre, outdoor saltwater swimming pool with Aqua Bar.


Categories
Room Rate
Deluxe
King
MYR 365 +
Twin
MYR 365 +
Hollywood Twin
MYR 365 +
Premier
King
MYR 415 +
Twin
MYR 415 +
Hollywood Twin
MYR 415 +
Executive
King
MYR 515 +
Twin
MYR 515 +
Hollywood Twin
MYR 515 +
Deluxe Twin
MYR 565 +
Deluxe Hollywood Twin
MYR 565 +
Suite
One Bedroom
MYR 715 +

* The rates are quoted in Malaysia Ringgit (MYR) currency.* Rates are inclusive of 6% SST and subjected to prevailing government fee and other applicable taxes.* The rooms are subject to availability on time of booking. 28 November 2023 – 04 December 2023* Rates are valid from 05 December 2023 – 10 December 2023.* Additional Pax will have Additional Cost
Olive Tree Hotel

Olive Tree Hotel is an eco-friendly business hotel, strategically located in the Convention and Free Trade Zone of Penang Island.  The hotel offers 2 F&B outlets, fitness facilities (gym and swimming pool) & functional meeting space & comfortable accommodation for one’s green stay.


Located right opposite the SPICE Convention Centre with less than 5 minutes walking distance and 10 minutes’ drive away from Penang International Airport, 25 minutes Penang 1st & 2nd Bridge. It is a conducive meeting point for all convention-goers.

Penang's Highlights

BElong in Penang