The V-Malaysia 2024 Convention was successfully held at the Penang SPICE Convention Center from September 12-16, 2024.
Organised by global direct selling leader QNET, this year’s event – themed Unstoppable – drew over 9,000 participants from nearly 50 countries.
Supported by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, V-Malaysia has held a special place in Penang’s calendar for the past 12 years, and since 2023, it has grown so immensely that it is now hosted twice a year in Penang.
Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, emphasised the convention’s economic significance: “Since first hosting the V-Malaysia convention in 2008, Penang has seen a significant surge in tourism and international recognition. The vibrant life and commerce that QNET brings with each event have been instrumental in this growth.
“Between 2023 and 2024, Penang’s economy experienced substantial growth driven by a resurgence in the tourism sector, recording nearly seven million passenger movements in 2023 – a 64.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year.”
He added that such large-scale, repeated events help to create both temporary and permanent jobs in various sectors, particularly in hospitality, tourism, and event management, which greatly benefits the local economy.
During his 35 years in the hospitality industry, Beaumont has held various F&B and senior leadership positions across his native Australia, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
She has worked in European hotels including the Sheraton Belgravia in London and The Westin in Venice. She recently spent 10 years in the Maldives as general manager with Atmosphere Core properties, giving her the experience in managing logistics and teams living on private islands.
According to a press statement, the event has so far secured more than 120 exhibitors, including leading domestic and international companies, major public organisations, and tourism bureaus.
Prior to her tenure at The Robertson House, Wong held key leadership positions at renowned hotels across Singapore and Malaysia.
With more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, he brings a wealth of leadership and expertise to his new role. He has held senior management positions at Sydney’s top five-star hotels, including Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and, most recently, as general manager of InterContinental Sydney Double Bay.
Prior to joining Kempinski Hotels, he served as the senior vice president sales and revenues at Silversea Cruises.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has named Michael Groll as general manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
Groll began his hospitality journey with Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London in 2004 as food and beverage management trainee, before furthering his career in various leadership roles across Mandarin Oriental properties in Asia and the Middle East, including The Excelsior Hong Kong, Jakarta, Doha, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.