SEGi College Penang has taken another significant step towards enhancing industry-driven education through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). The partnership, formalised at the Olive Tree Hotel, Bayan Lepas, aims to strengthen talent development for Penang’s thriving business events and tourism industry by providing students with greater access to real-world learning opportunities.
The MoU signing ceremony brought together six institutions of higher learning, including SEGi College Penang, alongside SENTRAL College Penang, DISTED College, INTI International College Penang, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, and Taylor’s University. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing future professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and industry exposure required to excel in the rapidly evolving Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
The ceremony was officiated by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, who commended PCEB for its instrumental role in positioning Penang as one of the region’s leading business events destinations. He highlighted that the state’s investment in establishing PCEB has strengthened Penang’s competitiveness against established international business event hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong while contributing to the growth of the local tourism economy.
YB Wong also emphasised that behind every successful destination are talented individuals who create memorable visitor experiences. He noted that the partnership between government, industry, and higher education institutions is a strategic investment in developing future leaders who will continue driving the growth and global reputation of Penang’s business events industry.
Representing PCEB, Mr Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, expressed his appreciation to the participating institutions for supporting the initiative. He shared that through the Business Events (BE) Associate Programme, students will have opportunities to attend conferences, participate in industry forums and workshops, explore internships, engage in knowledge-sharing sessions, and connect directly with professionals working within the business events industry.
For SEGi College Penang students, this collaboration creates valuable pathways to bridge classroom learning with industry practice. By engaging with professionals and participating in authentic business events, students will gain practical experience, expand their professional networks, and develop the competencies needed to thrive in one of the tourism industry’s highest-value sectors.
The partnership reflects SEGi College Penang’s ongoing commitment to producing industry-ready graduates through meaningful collaborations with leading organisations. By working closely with PCEB, the college continues to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that enhance employability while supporting the sustainable growth of Penang’s tourism and business events ecosystem.
This initiative supports the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals