PENANG Property firm IJM Land has chosen Suntec International to oversee the operations of The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), which is set to open in 2017. The much awaited venue will be constructed at THE LIGHT commercial district in Penang.
The PWCC is one of two planned purposed-built facilities to be constructed on the island in a bid to attract regional and international business events (see related story here).
"The centrepiece of the convention centre is the 10,000 sqm column-free multipurpose hall that can be subdivided or used as a single space for exhibitions, conventions, corporate events and private functions," said IJM Land group chief executive and managing director Teh Kean Ming. "In a matter of minutes, it can be entirely converted to a 9,000-seat arena for world-class concerts that can be held in Penang for the first time."
The PWCC is designed by Larry Oltmanns, design director and chief executive of Vx3, a London-based architectural firm. His portfolio includes landmarks such as the NATO headquarters in Brussels and the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Furthermore, IJM Land has tapped Suntec International to be involved in the designing, marketing and operation of the PWCC.
“With a wealth of experience in managing convention centres across the globe, Suntec International has a proven track record as an established global business network,” said Teh. Leveraging on their expertise and experience, our partnership is indeed a smart move by IJM land to create an indomitable force for the development of PWCC.”
Arun Madhok, Suntec International chief executive, said that as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia, the significant presence of technology and manufacturing firms provides a strong base for corporate meetings, conventions and trade shows.
“At the heart of the PWCC concept is the creation of a highly modular and flexible venue,” Madhok said. “This will be supported by a world-class service team, an exceptional dining experience and operational excellence assisted by the Suntec technology suite. The new centre will deliver an improved experience to local and international organisers.”
Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang, welcome the partnership between two companies as another concrete step towards the fulfillment of the PWCC project.
“I’m glad that the time has finally come for the unveiling of what is soon to be Penang’s latest iconic landmark,” he said. “With the new PWCC expected to open in early 2017, this will add another location of choice for MICE catering to business visitors.”
Lim added that Penang is poised to benefit from the two new convention centres since they will not only serve Penang but also the Indonesia-Malaysia-and-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).
“The IMT-GT has grown in geographic scope and activities to encompass more than 70 million people. It is now composed of 14 provinces in southern Thailand, eight stat4es of Peninsular Malaysia and the 10 provinces of Sumatra in Indonesia.”
Gigi Onag
