Malaysiakini and Digital News Asia have been appointed as the official media partner for the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2022, to be held in Penang, from Sept 13 to 15.
Organised by National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), WCIT is popularly known as the Olympics of the world’s information technology industry.
This year's theme is “Connecting and Transforming the World”.
Speaking at the countdown to the WCIT 2022 yesterday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the event is a "magnificent opportunity" for Malaysia to welcome influential global tech industry leaders and investors.
"We are ready to welcome 4,000 delegates to Penang is the next 88 days," said Chow, who was guest of honour at the event.
"Malaysia is ready to meet, shake hands and network with world tech leaders, investors, innovators and forward-thinking personalities," Chow said, at the Setia Spice Convention Center in Bayan Baru.
The WCIT is deemed the biggest tech event in Malaysia, and is expected to host 4,000 delegates from more than 80 countries.
"I am delighted that we currently have more than 50 industry and industry association partners and sponsors, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of them," Chow said.
Chow said Penang will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its industrialisation journey, which began at the Free Trade Industrial Zone, Bayan Lepas in the 1970s.
"In line with the state’s Penang2030 vision: A Family-Focused Green and Smart State to Inspire the Nation, we look forward to connecting and transforming the World," he added.
PIKOM chairperson Dr Sean Seah expressed excitement that within a few months, they were able to secure more than 50 partners.
"More are coming on board to ensure they present the biggest and most successful tech event in Malaysia", Seah said.
"This could not have been possible if not for the support from the Penang government, and state-led agencies, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Human Resources Development Corporation," he added.
It is learnt that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri and other local and global ministers including Penang Governor Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak will be attending the congress.
Seah said PIKOM would like to work with all Malaysian state governments to participate in WCIT 2022.
WCIT 2022 will include a Digital Ecosystems Excursion programme where delegates are encouraged to visit every Malaysian state after Sept 15.
"This will be a boost to the tourism sector and to attract foreign investment into the states," Seah said.
Apart from WCIT 2022, TechFest Penang will also be held from Sept 8 to 18, and the event is open to the public.
"TechFest Penang will be an experiential journey focusing on the need of technology to better lives, how it is used daily to enhance and improve business needs and modernise lifestyles," Seah noted.
WCIT 2022 Malaysia’s leading speakers include: the co-fathers of the Internet and Google chief internet evangelist, Vint Cerf; NASA’s chief financial officer, Douglas Comstock; CNN business correspondent, Richard Quest; Portulans Institute president, Global Business School Network chairperson, and Said Business School at Oxford University dean, Dr. Soumitra Dutta; International Women in Cyber Security Foundation founder, Mary-Jo de Leeuw; and strategic futurist and author, Nancy Giordano.
