Welcome to BE @ Penang 2023!

We're thrilled to have you here!

BE @ Penang is all about bringing together the best and brightest minds in our industry to share knowledge and insights. It's a place to learn from each other, get inspired, and create lasting connections. Our speakers are thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and luminaries who will share their stories, insights, and advice. Whether you're a business events veteran or a newcomer, our stellar speakers have something valuable for everyone.

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 you can expect:

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.

Do you have burning questions for our speakers?

Attend BE @ Penang for the answers!

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

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

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?

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

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)

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

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.

Ariyana Convention Centre, Danang, Vietnam
Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, Indonesia
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
ICC Tainan, Taiwan
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.

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

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

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

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

15:00 - 16:00

Spotlight : Ask Me Anything on Marketing and Event Technology

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

• Jaggarao Simancha, VP Advocacy MACEOS

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

15:30 - 15:45

Break

15:45 - 16:15

Research Travel

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

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.

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

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

16:45 - 17:15

Closing Lecture

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!

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Be a Green Traveler.
It starts with you.

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

KTMB Website

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.

Google Maps

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.

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.

Find in Google Maps Book Here

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