IJM Perennial partners South Korea’s convention centre specialist to operate Penang Waterfront Convention Centre ahead of October opening

• PWCC is a flagship component of The Light City, a major waterfront development along Penang’s eastern coastline.

KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): IJM Perennial Development Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between IJM Corp Bhd (KL:IJM) and Perennial Holdings Pte Ltd, has formalised a strategic partnership with Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) through its Malaysian subsidiary, KinMalaysia Management Sdn Bhd (KINTEX Malaysia), to operate the upcoming Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC). This collaboration comes ahead of PWCC’s official opening in October 2025.

According to a statement dated April 11, two agreements were signed during the ceremony held at PWCC — an operation service agreement and a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing Penang’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

PWCC is a flagship component of The Light City, a major waterfront development along Penang’s eastern coastline. Once opened, it will be the largest convention facility in the state, featuring 340,000 sq ft of gross floor area, a column-free exhibition hall measuring 76,000 sq ft in net lettable area, and capacity to accommodate up to 8,000 guests.

The signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Penang executive council member Wong Hon Wai, Goyang Special City Mayor Lee Dong-Hwan, IJM Land chief executive officer Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung, and representatives from IJM, Perennial Holdings, KINTEX, and the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

IJM Corp group CEO and managing director Datuk Lee Chun Fai said the partnership will drive the state’s economy as a key player in the MICE sector.

“The Light City exemplifies IJM’s strategy of creating integrated developments that meet market demands. Our partnership with KINTEX enhances PWCC’s operational capabilities and global reach, allowing us to attract and host high-impact international events. This collaboration will not only elevate PWCC as a premier venue but also drive economic growth for Penang, strengthening the state's role as a key player in the global MICE sector.”

Perennial Holdings executive chairman and CEO Pua Seck Guan said the diverse array of conferences and exhibitions PWCC can cater to will attract both international and local businesses and MICE operators.

“We are pleased to partner KINTEX, a top-tier player in the global MICE industry, to create a world-class venue which puts Penang in the global spotlight. This partnership is a strong testament to PWCC’s attractiveness as a strategic and premier location for renowned international artistes and events. The diverse array of quality performances, trade shows and conferences that this facility is capable of hosting, together with The Light City’s vibrant retail and hotel offerings, is set to make PWCC the destination of choice for international and local businesses and MICE operators.”

KINTEX Malaysia CEO Dominic Oh said that this partnership, which expands KINTEX’s footprint in Southeast Asia, will also introduce globally recognised events in the state.

"We are excited to expand our footprint in Southeast Asia through this strategic partnership with IJM Perennial, bringing our expertise in world-class event management to PWCC. This collaboration will not only enhance Malaysia's MICE and events industry but also introduce globally recognised exhibitions and conventions that will contribute to Penang's reputation as a premier international business and tourism destination."

PWCC has already secured several international events this year, including the seventh Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development & Penang Urban Forum in October that will be hosting 500 delegates from 68 countries; Malaysia International Tech Edu also in October that is expecting up to 8,000 visitors; K-Brand Week featuring K-Beauty Expo Malaysia in November that is anticipated to draw up to 15,000 attendees; and Water Tech Asia 2025 in December, a sustainability-focused expo that is returning to Malaysia after a decade.

According to the statement, these events are projected to bring over 30,000 delegates in PWCC’s first year, generating an estimated RM55.5 million in economic impact for Penang.

The Light City will also be home to the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, which is slated to open sometime this year.

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