Skål International Penang celebrated its inaugural Annual General Meeting at Hompton Hotel Penang, marking the establishment of a new chapter in the global tourism organisation’s network.
Skål International, established in 1934, stands as the world’s largest global network of tourism professionals, boasting over 12,000 members across more than 300 clubs in 80 countries. The organisation’s core mission focuses on promoting responsible tourism practices while facilitating business relationships among industry leaders worldwide.
The newly established Penang chapter appointed several prominent figures from the local tourism industry to its leadership roles. FC Chong, a respected industry veteran, was elected as the chapter’s first President. Supporting him in the executive committee are Eugene Dass and Ben Ho, who will serve as First and Second Vice Presidents respectively.
The leadership team is further strengthened by Dato Khoo Boo Lim, who takes on the role of Secretary, and Davidde Ong, who will manage the chapter’s financial matters as Treasurer. A robust committee comprising six distinguished industry professionals has also been appointed: Adrian Praveen, Eugene Goh, Paul Choong, Jeremy Clark, Suffian Phoong, and Ashwin Gunasekeran.
The inaugural meeting benefited from the presence of Shirley Lai, the VP of Skål International Kuala Lumpur, who shared valuable insights and guidance based on their chapter’s experience. Her participation underscored the collaborative spirit between the established and new chapters within Malaysia.
Following the formal proceedings, attendees gathered for a networking dinner by the beach, where discussions centred on strategic initiatives for the chapter’s development. The informal setting provided an ideal platform for members to exchange ideas and forge stronger professional relationships.
The establishment of Skål International Penang represents a strategic move to enhance the state’s tourism ecosystem. As a member of the global Skål network, the chapter will facilitate international connections for local tourism professionals while promoting sustainable tourism practices in the region.
The new chapter aims to organise regular meetings, professional development events, and networking sessions throughout the year. These activities will provide members with opportunities to share industry insights, discuss challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities within the global tourism network.
Through its integration with the global Skål network, the Penang chapter will provide local tourism professionals access to international best practices, industry trends, and networking opportunities with tourism leaders worldwide.
