Penang’s tourism sector picked up another accolade on the regional stage. YB Wong Hon Wai, the state’s Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, received the “Outstanding State Tourism Leader” award at the Asian Hospitality & Tourism Awards (ATH Awards) 2025–2026 gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur. He was the only elected representative honoured at this year’s ceremony.
The ATH Awards gathers leading hotel groups, international hospitality brands, tourism corporations, convention centres and senior industry figures from across Asia. For Wong to be recognised alongside these names signals growing regional acknowledgement of what Penang has been building over the past few years.
He was quick to share the credit.
“This award does not belong to me alone. It belongs to the entire Penang tourism ecosystem. The steady progress and achievements of Penang’s tourism industry are not the work of any single individual, but the result of the collective efforts of Penang State Government, tourism players, hoteliers, airlines, the business events sector, arts and cultural practitioners, community organisations and all relevant stakeholders. It is through close cooperation and shared commitment that Penang’s tourism performance and international standing continue to grow,” he said.
From left: Wong Yuee Harng, State Assemblyman of Pengkalan Kota cum Director of PCEB; Dato’ Khoo Boo Lim, Vice President of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) National Board; Wong Hon Wai; Lee Boon Heng, State Assemblyman of Kebun Bunga cum Director of PCEB and Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
Wong also pointed to air connectivity as a factor that often goes unnoticed but carries real weight.
“A stronger aviation network has contributed to the overall performance of Penang’s tourism sector, including the continued growth in international visitor arrivals, steady improvement in hotel occupancy, as well as rising demand for MICE and international conferences. These developments are closely interlinked and have further strengthened Penang’s position as the tourism gateway and business events hub of northern Malaysia,” he said.
Beyond the award itself, the night was a good one for Penang. Several organisations and individuals from the state were also recognised:
– Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB): International Business Events Leadership Award 2025
– Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai: Leading New Hotel of the Year 2025
– Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang: Leading Conference Hotel of the Year 2025, Northern Region
– G Hotel Gurney: Leading MICE Venue of the Year 2025 (Hotel Category)
– ENTOPIA, Butterfly House (Pg) Sdn Bhd: Leading Tourist Attraction of the Year 2025
– PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena: Leading Convention Centre of the Year 2025
– Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang: Leading New Urban Lifestyle Hotel of the Year 2025
– Nick Ng, Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai: Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year 2025, Northern Region
Wong said the sweep of awards across different categories reflected something deeper than individual achievement. Penang’s results, he noted, come from the government, industry partners, airlines, hoteliers, event organisers and tourism professionals each playing their part.
He closed with a clear statement of direction.
“The Penang State Government has a clear objective, which is to continue to develop Penang as a sustainable, high-quality and globally competitive tourism destination, while creating tangible economic benefits and long-term value for the state,” he said.
