Penang has reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating multilingual talent and cultural literacy as strategic assets in today’s globalised world. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 13th Malaysia International Conference on Languages, Literatures and Cultures (MICOLLAC 2025) held at St. Giles Wembley Hotel, the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Wong Hon Wai, called for a renewed emphasis on language and cultural studies to drive international connectivity and competitiveness.

Organised by the Department of English, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), MICOLLAC has long served as a vital platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the humanities to exchange ideas and deepen cross-cultural understanding. This year’s theme, “Bridging Words and Worlds: Dynamic Dialogues in Language, Literature & Culture”, reflects the conference’s ambition to spark critical discourse across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Penang’s Position as a Global Connector

YB Wong highlighted Penang’s twin UNESCO recognitions – the George Town World Heritage Site and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve – as symbols of the state’s unique cultural depth and environmental stewardship. He encouraged participants to explore these treasures while in Penang, emphasizing that the state is not only a cultural destination but also a rising global economic hub.

“Penang is evolving into a vibrant nexus for semiconductors, healthcare, aviation, and global business. To fully unlock this potential, we need more than infrastructure – we need multilingual talent who can bridge nations, markets, and cultures,” he said.

Languages as Competitive Capital

In his address, YB Wong stressed that language is more than communication—it is capital. Malaysia’s multilingual context gives it a distinct advantage, and Penang aims to leverage this through policy, education, and culture. He emphasized the importance of language skills in diplomacy, business, and tourism, especially as Penang strengthens its aviation and trade links with the Middle East, India, Greater China, and Southeast Asia.

Drawing on personal experience, YB Wong shared that he reads nine newspapers daily across three languages and converses in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, as well as dialects such as Cantonese and Hokkien.

“Only by cultivating multilingual talents can Penang and Malaysia continue to shine on the global stage,” he affirmed.

George Town Literary Festival 2025: A Celebration of Language & Culture

YB Wong also invited attendees to the upcoming George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) 2025, taking place from 28–30 November 2025. Supported by the Penang State Government, the festival showcases the role of literature in shaping thought, identity, and dialogue, further cementing Penang’s role as a regional cultural leader.

Celebrating Dialogue, Diversity, and Discovery

This year’s MICOLLAC conference features a distinguished lineup of speakers across multiple disciplines, including communication studies, multilingualism, theatre, and environmental literature. The parallel sessions provide a dynamic forum for advancing humanities scholarship and fostering meaningful collaborations.

In closing, YB Wong officially declared the conference open, expressing confidence that MICOLLAC 2025 would:

• Inspire new academic inquiry,

• Promote cross-cultural exchange, and

• Build enduring networks that extend well beyond the halls of academia.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Penang State EXCO Office for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE)

Email: petace@penang.gov.my | Tel: +604-650 5133

Website: www.mypenang.gov.my

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