PENANG TO HOST FIRST WRTC OUTSIDE OF CHINA

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- For the first time, the World Research Travel Conference (WRTC) will be organised outside of China and Penang has been chosen to host it at the Setia Spice Convention Centre from Nov 3-7.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee (PETACE) chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang is committed to supporting events that contribute to the growth of tourism and educational exchange, aligning with the state's 2030 vision of fostering global connections and advancing sustainable tourism practices.

“Research travel, combining education and travel, is a rapidly growing trend worldwide. It is particularly exciting to see how this conference will highlight the role of research travel in nurturing young minds, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and fostering deeper connections between our communities. 

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“As an honour to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China and the 11th anniversary of our comprehensive strategic partnership, the conference will also feature China as the guest country for the first time.

"This provides an excellent platform to celebrate our friendship and strengthen cooperation between our countries in various fields, including tourism, education, culture and youth engagement,” he said in a press conference here today.

WRTC 2024 is organised by the World Research Travel Organisation (WRTO) and supported by the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).  Also present were WRTC 2024 organising chairman Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Khani Daud and PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran.

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Wong added that the conference will also provide a unique opportunity for Penang to connect with global research travel specialists, cultural and educational representatives, media, industry partners and academia.

“These high-quality events not only enhance Penang's international profile but also contribute significantly to the local economy,” he added.

Wong noted that the organisers are targeting 1,000 participants and that 600 people from China have already registered for the conference.

Abdul Khani said they have received confirmations from Southeast Asia and Nepal and are looking at possible participants from India and Europe.

“WRTC is a world platform and China is one of the most active countries that have launched this concept of research travel. They already made it their education policy,” he said.

— BERNAMA