New convention centre in Penang set to boost MICE activities

PROMINENT developer - IJM Corporation Berhad which helped build the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang, has come out with another landmark project called the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) near the first Penang Bridge.

PWCC is designed to be a catalyst to market Penang as a premier international location for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) segments of tourism.

In the historic ‘topping out’ of the PWCC, which symbolises that the core foundation of the project has been completed, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that PWCC captures the state's desire to be a major player on the MICE global circuit.

IJM Corp has tied up with Singaporean real estate and healthcare provider specialist - Perennial Holdings Private Limited to develop the PWCC, which sits next to the master city development of The Light township, which is just off the Penang Bridge.

Hence, PWCC has a breathtaking seafront view as part of its attractions.

IJM Group chief executive officer and managing director Lee Chun Fai said that there is a 330,000 sq ft space for MICE activities here.

It has 19 different room spaces to accommodate various events while the joint venture has a total gross development value of RM4.5 billion.

IJM is still selecting the operator of the two luxury hotels, a retail mall and a 28-storey office tower, which will complement the residential segment of The Light City.

The company is also pondering over who would manage the PWCC, whose nearest competitor is the sprawling Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Sungai Ara.

Perennial executive chairman and chief executive officer Pua Seck Guan said that the project sets the growth momentum for the MICE sector in Penang.

Chow also said that having a first-class infrastructure and facilities are important to promote Penang as the destination of choice for business travel.

 “There will be a light rail transit (LRT) station built near the PWCC,” Chow said, adding that the LRT is a long-term proposition for Penang to improve its public connectivity.

The PWCC is expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year where another 2,900 parking bays will also be provided. - The Vibes, January 25, 2024.