One Day With – Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)
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A hospitality and Business Events industry veteran of over 13 years, Ashwin brings his accrued experience in setting up the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), the first State Convention Bureau in Northern Malaysia. The bureau was set up in 2016 to develop and grow its Business Events industry. Much of his current work centres around setting the strategic direction for Penang’s business events industry, establishing strategic alliances, expanding Penang as the leading business events hub in Malaysia and fostering partnerships with industry players. In 2017, he was appointed as the Deputy Chair of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Malaysia and he currently holds the position of Chairman of ICCA Malaysia.
1. Where is your favourite place to grab breakfast on your way into the office?
Hwa Pin Coffee Shop at Church Street (also known as Auntie’s Place to all working at PCEB) – they serve aromatic and traditional Penang-style coffee.
2. What’s the best thing about your job?
Meeting different people and networking, whilst sharing ideas.
3. What is the most random thing on your desk?
Nutmeg the Turtle, a soft toy made for PCEB’s CSR programme – Penang Turtle Cares.
4. What motivates you?
From a business perspective, winning a piece of business. As from a personal perspective, it will be fast cars.
5. If there was one thing you could change about the industry, what would it be?
I would encourage more collaboration & alliances, to support more cooperation rather than competition.
6. Who is your role model?
Will Smith.
7. Where do you go to get away from it all and unwind?
A long drive to Penang’s hidden gem of a countryside – Balik Pulau, to soak in its serenity and greenery.
8. Favourite destination you’ve ever visited?
Iceland.
9. What was the last book you read?
Gandhi, CEO: 14 Principles to Guide & Inspire Modern Leaders
An astronaut.
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