Mr Ashwin Gunasekeran

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

A Message from Mr Ashwin Gunasekeran

Dear Industry Leaders, Innovators, and Visionaries,

It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I invite you to BE @ Penang 2025, Malaysia's premier business events conference, held under the resonant theme: “BE at Penang: BE THE WAVE.”

This theme is a dual invitation – to BE at Penang, a vibrant nexus where rich cultural heritage meets innovation, and to BE THE WAVE, actively shaping the future of industries across Malaysia and the Asia Pacific.

Penang, often hailed as the “Silicon Valley of the East,” is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its captivating charm and culinary delights, but also a powerhouse of economic growth. Our state is a leading hub for the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) sector, driving advancements in AI, IoT, and smart manufacturing, while also making strides in chemistry, biodiversity, and sustainability. This dynamic ecosystem perfectly embodies the wave of progress that BE @ Penang seeks to amplify.

Our theme this year is a call to action. It reflects the accelerating momentum of innovation, strategic opportunities, and transformative growth shaping industries across Malaysia and the Asia Pacific, including the Business Events (BE) industry itself. We invite you to not just witness these changes, but to actively contribute to them and ride the crest of future trends together with your industry peers.

The Business Events industry—encompassing Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions—has long served as a vital connector, bringing together innovators, investors, associations, and diverse sectors to spark new solutions, ideas, and collaborations. In today’s fast-evolving world, especially with the rise of AI, the authenticity and personal connections made through face-to-face meetings are more valuable than ever for knowledge exchange, marketing, and business development. We believe in the collective strength of our industry and the associations that champion it, recognising their pivotal role in sustaining forward momentum.

This powerful wave of progress spans the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, the pivot towards higher-value manufacturing, the integration of sustainable practices into business models, and the fostering of inclusive growth across all sectors.

Equally important, BE @ Penang 2025 is committed to empowering the next generation. By opening doors for students and young professionals, this platform provides opportunities to learn directly from industry leaders, engage in meaningful dialogues, and build networks that can shape their career paths. We believe that nurturing future talents is essential in ensuring that the wave of progress continues to grow stronger, and that Penang remains a fertile ground for innovation, creativity, and leadership.

With this in mind, BE @ Penang 2025 is designed to provide opportunities to network, collaborate, and ride this wave of transformation.

This event is for:

  • Business Events Professionals: Organisers, strategists, venue operators, suppliers, and association members looking to innovate, network, and elevate the MICE industry.
  • Technology Innovators & Entrepreneurs: Leaders and startups in E&E, AI, IoT, and Smart Manufacturing eager to explore new collaborations.
  • Sustainability Advocates & Green Economy Leaders: Businesses and individuals committed to ESG, biodiversity conservation, and building a sustainable future.
  • Policymakers & Government Stakeholders: Leaders shaping economic growth and enabling innovation.
  • Academics & Researchers: Experts driving knowledge creation and next-generation industry solutions.
  • Students & Young Professionals: Aspiring talents seeking exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to shaping the industries of tomorrow.
  • Anyone seeking to drive change, forge meaningful connections, and gain fresh insights into the future of business and innovation in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific.

BE @ Penang 2025 promises to be a platform for connection, learning, and transformation. Through discussions, showcases, and networking opportunities, we are confident that your participation will not only enrich the discourse but also empower you to BE THE WAVE of change in your respective fields.

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it—together.” — Alan Kay

We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to Penang!

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