Tag: National Journalists’ Day Summit

HAWANA 2026 will be a catalyst for Penang’s tourism and creative economy – Exco

GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 18 -- The organisation of the National Journalists' Day Summit (HAWANA) 2026 in Penang will catalyse the state's tourism sector and creative economy through large-scale media exposure that can strengthen the Penang brand at the regional level. The state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, said that the selection of Penang as the host of HAWANA for the first time was a recognition of the state's ability as the country's main tourism destination and a location for organising international-class events. He said the prestigious event, which brought together more than 1,000 media practitioners and delegates from Malaysia and ASEAN countries, opened up a wide opportunity to introduce the uniqueness of Penang's cultural heritage, gastronomic diversity, tourism products and the strength of the creative economy sector. "Through the presence of media from across the country and the ASEAN region, Penang will receive extensive and high-value exposure, thus strengthening its position as one of the major tourist destinations in Malaysia. "This is also expected to have a direct and indirect economic impact on the state because the presence of thousands of visitors and media personnel will increase demand for hotel services, food and beverage, transportation, shopping centres and local tourist attractions," he told Bernama, today. Commenting on the state's level of preparedness as the host, Wong said that initial feedback from tourism industry players saw hotel room booking rates showing an encouraging increase in conjunction with HAWANA 2026. He said that Seberang Perai, which was chosen as the main location for the program, has sufficient accommodation capacity to accommodate participants and visitors throughout the three-day event from June 19 to 21. Meanwhile, he described the media as an important strategic partner in efforts to promote tourist destinations and strengthen the development of a state's creative economy. Wong said the media helps introduce destinations, promote tourism products and build visitor confidence through the delivery of accurate and effective information. "For the creative economy sector, the media helps highlight local talent, artwork, cultural events and creative initiatives that can increase the economic value and identity of a state. "Therefore, the state government appreciates the contribution of the media as a development partner that helps drive the growth of tourism, the creative economy and the positive image of Penang at the national and international levels," he said. Wong is confident that organizing HAWANA 2026 will leave a positive impact not only on the media industry, but also on the entire tourism ecosystem and creative economy of Penang. The HAWANA 2026 Summit, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, is expected to be attended by approximately 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad. Taking up the theme "Media with Integrity, Core Credibility", HAWANA 2026, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, is a platform to celebrate the contributions, perseverance and professionalism of media practitioners in this country. In conjunction with HAWANA 2026, the RIUH Pi HAWANA Carnival will also be held at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena which will last for three days starting tomorrow. The carnival is expected to attract approximately 30,000 visitors and bring together more than 24 local creative product brands and 20 food and beverage vendors, in addition to interactive workshops that give the public the opportunity to explore various creative activities. Apart from that, visitors will also be entertained by 16 stage performances featuring local artists such as Exists, Bunkface, Masdo, Sakura Band, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang and Chelsea Ng with free admission. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 18 — The organisation of the National Journalists’ Day Summit (HAWANA) 2026 in Penang will catalyse the state’s tourism sector and creative economy through large-scale media exposure that can strengthen the Penang brand at the regional level. The state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, said that the selection […]