Kintex-operated Penang convention centre wins top MICE grade in Malaysia quality certification
In short
The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) in Malaysia, operated by South Korea's Kintex, received the Platinum grade in Malaysia's tourism quality certification (MyTQA) for the MICE sector, the only Penang venue at that level. The certificate was handed to Oh Seok, head of Kintex's local subsidiary Kin Malaysia. PWCC opened in 2025 and posted a profit in its first year, Kintex said.
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The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) in Malaysia, which South Korea's Kintex operates, has received the Platinum grade in the Malaysian tourism quality certification (MyTQA) MICE category, Kintex said on October 6. MyTQA is a certification issued by Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) that assesses the quality and service level of tourism and MICE facilities, according to the reports. PWCC was the only convention centre in Penang to receive the top grade. The certificate was handed to Oh Seok, head of Kintex's local subsidiary Kin Malaysia. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Kintex said PWCC, which opened in 2025, has attracted major Malaysian events including the MATTA Fair, described as the country's largest travel fair, as well as the Malaysia Motor Show and the Penang ASEAN Book Fair. The company said the venue recorded a profit in its first year of operation. Kintex said the Platinum certification confirms the venue's facility and service quality and strengthens its position in bidding for international events. [ 2 , 3 ]
PWCC is located in Penang, which the reports describe as one of Malaysia's main semiconductor and electrical-electronics production bases and also a tourism destination, an environment suited to combining industry exhibitions, international conferences and tourism. The venue sits in the mixed-use development The Light City, which includes hotels and shopping facilities, a layout the reports present as an advantage in attracting international events. [ 2 , 3 ]
Kintex said it is expanding its overseas operations using experience accumulated from running domestic exhibition and convention facilities. It participates in operating India's Yashobumi venue in addition to PWCC, and both posted profits in their first year of operation, according to the reports. Kintex said it plans to use its overseas operating experience and global network to raise the competitiveness of local venues and to help Korean companies enter overseas markets. [ 2 , 3 ]
Kintex CEO Lee Min-woo said the certification recognizes PWCC's facility and service quality. He said it would raise the confidence of event organizers and participants, and that the company would continue improving service together with local staff and partners to develop the venue into an exhibition and convention hub contributing to Penang's industry and tourism. [ 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The certification gives Kintex an additional credential in its overseas venue management business, which also includes India's Yashobumi centre. Kintex says it plans to use its overseas bases and network to support Korean companies expanding into Southeast Asian and other Asian markets.
Key facts
- PWCC, which Kintex operates in Penang, Malaysia, received the Platinum grade in the Malaysian tourism quality certification (MyTQA) MICE category [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- It was the only convention centre in Penang to receive the top grade, according to the reports [ 2 , 3 ]
- The certificate was received by Oh Seok, head of Kintex's local subsidiary Kin Malaysia [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kintex said PWCC opened in 2025 and posted a profit in its first year of operation [ 2 , 3 ]
- PWCC has hosted the MATTA Fair, the Malaysia Motor Show and the Penang ASEAN Book Fair [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kintex also operates the Yashobumi venue in India, which it said also posted a first-year profit [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kintex CEO Lee Min-woo said the certification reflects recognition of PWCC's operating capability and service level [ 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- PWCC, operated by Kintex, received the Platinum grade in Malaysia's MyTQA MICE category [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- PWCC was the only Penang convention centre to receive the top grade [ 2 , 3 ]
- Oh Seok, head of Kin Malaysia, received the certificate [ 2 , 3 ]
- PWCC opened in 2025 and recorded a first-year profit [ 2 , 3 ]
- PWCC hosted the MATTA Fair, Malaysia Motor Show and Penang ASEAN Book Fair [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kintex also operates India's Yashobumi venue, which likewise posted a first-year profit [ 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- The exact date in September when the MyTQA Platinum grade was awarded One report says the certification came in September, while another says it was recent; no specific date is given
- How many Penang convention centres were assessed for the MyTQA MICE grade The documents say PWCC was the only one to reach Platinum but do not state the number of venues evaluated
- The size of PWCC's first-year profit The documents state only that it was profitable, without figures
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- PWCC receives the Platinum grade in Malaysia's MyTQA MICE category, according to a report [ 3 ]
- Kukmin Ilbo publishes a report on PWCC's top-grade certification [ 1 ]
- Seoul Economic Daily publishes Kintex's announcement, with details on PWCC's operations [ 2 ]
- Maeil Business publishes a further report on the certification and Kintex's overseas business [ 3 ]