The highly anticipated event will take place from 4th to 7th November 2024, with a post-conference tour to Sungai Relau National Park in Pahang from 8th to 10th November 2024.
This marks the third time Penang has had the honour of hosting ICBES, following successful conferences in the year 2000 and 2009. Since its inception in 1997, ICBES has been held annually in different countries around the world, except for 2001, when the conference was skipped due to the 9/11 incident, 2013 due to poor global economic conditions, and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first three days of the conference will be held at the prestigious Ascott Gurney Penang, while the final day will take place at Entopia, Penang’s renowned butterfly sanctuary and nature learning destination.
The conference will welcome nearly 100 participants from 19 countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, Turkey, Kenya, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia. In conjunction with the conference, a Welcome Cocktail will be held on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, setting the stage for fruitful networking and collaboration.
The conference will officially commence on Monday, 4th November 2024, with an opening ceremony to be graced by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, and the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Wong Hon Wai.
“Penang, known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation, is a perfect setting for this important gathering,” said Mr Joseph Goh, CEO of Entopia. “This will be a unique opportunity for all of us to exchange knowledge, explore new ideas, and foster collaborations that will further advance our collective mission.” Participants will have the chance to explore the unique offerings of Penang, including a George Town Heritage Tour, a visit to the scenic Penang Hill, and a hike at Penang National Park. Additionally, they will savour the diverse flavours of our country's local cuisines and Penang’s hawker delights, experiencing the island’s cultural and culinary heritage firsthand. All information is correct at time of publish & is subject to change without prior notice Sales&MarketingDivision/Entopia A highlight of the event will be the Opening Dinner, which will be held at the iconic Hin Bus Depot on the evening of Monday, 4th November 2024, fully supported by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). The dinner promises to be an evening of cultural exchange and celebration.
“The ICBES 2024 is a significant event for Penang, showcasing our state’s commitment to biodiversity and conservation,” said YB Wong Hon Wai, the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE).
“We are excited to support this conference and welcome delegates from around the world to experience what Penang has to offer.” Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), added, “The Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) for this event is RM 1.45 million, underscoring the significant benefits that ICBES 2024 will bring to our local economy.
This conference is a prime example of how Penang continues to attract high-value, high-impact events that drive economic growth while showcasing our state’s unique offerings.” The post-conference tour to Sungai Relau National Park in Pahang from 8th to 10th November 2024 will allow delegates to experience Malaysia’s natural beauty, providing an enriching end of the conference.
In addition to hosting ICBES 2024, Entopia is excited to announce several upcoming attractions that further enhance Penang’s reputation as a hub for nature-based tourism. From 18th September to 1st October 2024, Entopia will present a temporary exhibit on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), in collaboration with Hi-Tech Instruments. This exhibit will offer visitors a rare glimpse into the intricate details of nature through advanced imaging technology.
In November, Entopia will launch the Wings of Lepidoptera exhibition, a one-of-a-kind showcase featuring Micro-Macro Imaging Photography that delves into the mysteries of butterfly and moth wing structures. This immersive experience will reveal the art and beauty of nature’s wonders, highlighting the unique evolutionary features of butterfly wings. Mid-November will see the introduction of the world’s first Biofluorescent Garden, known as Natureland By Night.
This groundbreaking attraction will set a new standard in nature-based tourism, offering an unparalleled, immersive nighttime experience. Visitors will be captivated as the lush landscapes of Entopia are transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle of bioluminescent flora and fauna.
The press conference held today at Entopia was attended by YB Wong Hon Wai, Exco for PETACE, Mr Ashwin Gunasekaran, CEO of PCEB, and Mr Joseph Goh, CEO of Entopia, who collectively expressed their enthusiasm and support for the upcoming conference.
For more information about the ICBES 2024 and registration details, please visit www.iabes.org or email icbes2024@entopia.com
Tags: Joseph Goh, ICBES 2024, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), Ashwin Gunasekaran, PCEB
