GEORGE TOWN — The inaugural Cambodia Airways direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang marks a key milestone in strengthening regional ties and enhancing connectivity with Asean neighbours.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the launch was both timely and significant, particularly as Malaysia assumes the Asean Chairmanship this year.

“This route not only creates a new aerial corridor linking Penang with an Asean neighbour, but also highlights Penang’s growing strategic role in the regional aviation network,” Wong said in a statement today.

He noted that Cambodia is now the sixth Asean country with direct air links to Penang, after Thailand (Bangkok, Don Mueang, Phuket), Indonesia (Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh), Singapore, Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) and Myanmar (Yangon).

Wong said the new route also carries strategic weight for the development of Penang’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) tourism sector.

“Improved air connectivity not only offers greater convenience for delegates, business travellers and professionals, but also reinforces Penang’s position as a regional MICE hub in South-east Asia,” he said.

He added that while Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Penang currently lead the Asean MICE market, the regional landscape is evolving.

He said cities such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta and Yangon have ramped up investments in convention infrastructure and city branding.