THE UPCOMING 45TH INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION (IAA) WORLD CONGRESS IN PENANG
PRESS CONFERENCE SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE UPCOMING 45TH INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION (IAA) WORLD CONGRESS IN PENANG
2 February 2024
Bilik Gerakan
YB Wong Hon Wai
Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy
Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran
CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)
Mr. John D. Chacko
Chairman of IAA World Congress 2024 & President of IAA Malaysia
Members of the media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning, everyone.
Thank you for being here today as we embark on an exciting journey to discuss the upcoming 45th International Advertising Association (IAA) World Congress in Penang. It's an honour to have each of you here as we share the significance of this event.
Penang, often called the Silicon Valley of the East, is set to host the 45th IAA World Congress, marking a groundbreaking moment as the first-ever in Southeast Asia. This global gathering, themed 'Brand: RE-CODE, for a Better World, Better Life,' holds immense promise for economic growth and innovation.
Since its inception in 1938, the IAA World Congress has graced major global cities, and Penang is proud to join this prestigious list. Our city's unique blend of heritage and technological innovation has positioned it as a leading tourism and investment hub in the Asia Pacific.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Penang as a co-host, the Congress is expected to draw a diverse crowd of up to 1000 attendees across the globe, projecting an impressive Estimated Economic Impact of RM5.836 million for Penang. Over three days, the event promises to be a catalyst for economic growth and innovation, featuring a stellar line-up of speakers and industry experts.
This congress seamlessly aligns with our Penang2030 Vision. By 2030, we aspire to be the greenest state in Malaysia, emphasising a green economy, innovative governance, and sustainability-led development. The Penang state government also sees this Congress as an opportune moment to showcase Penang's investment potential and attract diverse investments. Our strategic alignment aims to create a more resilient and dynamic economic landscape, fostering innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.
Industry giants including Google, Meta, WARC, ANA, Lions, and SEEHER have joined hands as partners for the upcoming Congress.
Additionally, renowned international media BBC News and local media outlet Media Prima are also on board.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
As the global community converges in Penang, I encourage local businesses, brands, and organisations from various industries such as manufacturing, semiconductor, healthcare, finance, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, real estate, and many more to seize this unique opportunity. Participation in the Congress offers a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, positioning Penang as a thriving hub for diverse industries.
On that note, I would like to express my appreciation for the commendable effort of the IAA organizers in forging a strategic alliance with HRDC. This partnership transforms the Congress from being solely a platform for knowledge exchange to becoming a financially strategic choice for local companies.
When you sign up for the conference, it offers exclusive perks through HRDC claimables, ensuring that the HRDC scheme will be an added advantage for most companies in Penang.
And through the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) effort, we are setting the stage for Penang as the premiere destination for business events, showcasing the city's capabilities in hosting world-class conferences and exhibitions. This collaboration opens doors to exclusive opportunities and further establishes Penang as a global player in the business events industry.
Now with March on the horizon, Penang is gearing up to welcome delegates and esteemed speakers. The state eagerly awaits the engaging sessions, productive collaborations, and the lasting legacy that the congress is poised to instil in Penang's dynamic landscape.
Thank you.