Photo: BULETIN MUTIARA

[Penang, Malaysia] The 18th World Federation of Hainanese Associations Congress will be held at the Setia Spice Convention Center from November 14th to the 16th. This is the first time for Penang to play host city for the Congress. Bringing together more than 2,000 participants from 20 countries and regions, this year’s event serves as a key platform for exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and ASEAN, and a powerful gathering of Hainanese communities from around the world.

At a press conference, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, said the Congress is not just a bridge connecting Hainanese people with the world, it is also a force for promoting multiculturalism, ethnic harmony, and the common development of economy, trade, and culture. Adding that hosting an international conference of this magnitude in the post-COVID era reaffirms Penang’s status as a leading destination for tourism and conventions, Mr. Wong also noted that the event will inject new vitality into local industries such as tourism, hospitality, catering, and transportation. He also expressed hope that Penang will use this opportunity to showcase its history, culture, culinary heritage, artistic creativity, and sustainable tourism projects — allowing attendees to experience the unique charm of this World Heritage City. Encouraging more cultural performances, guided tours, and heritage exhibits during the Congress should intensify cultural exchanges and emotional resonance, not only between Penang and Hainan but also with ethnic Chinese people worldwide, Mr. Wong brought up the over 200 year long relationship between Penang and Hainan and how the multiculturalism brought by Hainanese migrants in the 19th century contributed greatly to the development of the local economy and education.

“In 2013, Penang State and Hainan Province signed an agreement to establish friendly relations. In 2017, Penang and Sanya became sister cities, agreeing to promote cooperation in culture, creative industries, people-to-people exchanges, and tourism,” and the deep cultural ties formed by this decade-long relationship laid the foundation for Penang being chosen as the Congress’s host city.

Congress Chairman and President of The Federation Of Hainan Association Malaysia Datuk Yong Ket How said this year’s event has the theme: “New Opportunities in Hainan Free Trade Port: Building a New Bridge with ASEAN.” The Congress aims to unite Hainanese worldwide for collaborative future development. Noting that the Congress’s welcome banquet, opening ceremony, and gala dinner will all incorporate local cultural characteristics that fully display Malaysia’s diversity and hospitality, Datuk Yong said that this Congress will highlight Malaysia’s openness, diversity, and vibrancy to an international audience.

A large-scale trade fair held concurrently with the Congress will also showcase high-quality local and Hainanese products, innovative technologies, and cultural and creative achievements. The Congress aims to achieve three goals: to strengthen global Hainanese ties, to promote Hainan–ASEAN cooperation in trade and culture, and to highlight the contributions of Malaysian Chinese, especially those of Hainanese descent.

Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), stated that the Congress is expected to generate nearly MYR 12 million in economic benefits. “More than 2,000 guests from nearly 20 countries and regions are expected. About half will come from overseas, bringing significant impetus to Penang’s convention, exhibition, and tourism industries.”

Other important attendees included Dato' Lim Chiew Ah (Executive Chairperson of the World Forum/ Honorary President of Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia), and Vice President of The Federation Of Hainan Association Malaysia, Dato' Tan Seng Cheong and Lim Jit Leong.

As the Congress approaches, Penang welcomes Hainanese compatriots and global guests with openness and inclusivity. This cross-ocean gathering will open a new chapter in Hainan–ASEAN cooperation and allow more people to feel the shared strength of “common roots, shared bonds, and united dreams.”