GEORGE TOWN – Penang’s business events industry will see a boost after Kuala Lumpur-based Anderes Fourdy Events Sdn Bhd sealed an agreement with a local firm to bring in high-profile events here.
Anderes Fourdy is a homegrown professional business event organiser with a presence in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.
It is known to bring in tech-driven events and amassed recognition, including as an emerging innovator awarded by its peers.
Its Penang partner Dreamz Production Events Management Sdn Bhd will form a joint venture known as Anderes Fourdy Events (Penang) Sdn Bhd to grow its market share in the state.
In 2018, Penang recorded a total of 156 events with 19,283 participants and 48,963 rooms/nights, according to the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
The estimated economic impact for the business events industry grew by 50% from RM1.003 billion in 2017 to RM1.503 billion in 2019.
With Penang’s reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East through its electrical and electronics manufacturers, Anderes hopes to bring in conventions and exhibitions relevant to those industries.
Representing Dreamz was its director W.Y. Cheah, while Anderes’ director Catherine Khor signed on behalf of the company.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen witnessed the proceedings with Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Khoo Boo Lim and Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai.
Cheah told reporters later that the business events segment is expected to rebound in a big way after being stifled for over two years due to the restriction brought about by the pandemic.
Penang had previously disclosed plans to be a major business events destination as it looks to complement its allure with F&B, beach, nature and heritage attractions.
Despite the growth of Zoom, he said in-person meets are still crucial to drive business and commercialisation.
He added that they will offer hybrid formats for some events to accommodate those who prefer online forums. – The Vibes, May 13, 2022
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