Penang marked a significant milestone today as it welcomed delegates from across the Asia Pacific for the prestigious FAOPMA 2025 Pest Summit, held in the heart of George Town, just steps away from the UNESCO World Heritage enclave.

Delivering the official welcoming speech, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, proudly highlighted Penang’s rising global profile as a top-tier destination for both leisure and business tourism. He cited accolades from Travel + Leisure and Travel Awaits, with Penang being recognised among Southeast Asia’s top islands and even the world’s best places to retire.

“Penang has grown into a premier MICE destination,” said YB Wong, pointing to world-class venues like SPICE and the upcoming Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) as symbols of the state’s readiness to host major global events.

He also addressed the core theme of this year’s summit – “From Reactive to Proactive: The Evolution of Pest Management” – which aligns closely with Penang’s proactive public health policies. Emphasising that effective pest control plays a critical role in maintaining hygiene standards across the tourism, F&B, and hospitality sectors, YB Wong reiterated Penang’s commitment to urban cleanliness and sustainability.

He further urged the public to uphold basic cleanliness habits, noting that pest control is a shared civic responsibility, not one limited to authorities alone.

In line with Penang2030’s focus on modernising agriculture, YB Wong also introduced smart farming technologies as a strategic approach to enhance food security while minimising pest risks.

The summit stands as a platform for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and forward-thinking solutions, promising a more sustainable and pest-resilient future for the region.