(From left) Ashwin, Joseph, Wong, Kelly, David and Entopia’s mascot posing for a group photograph with the conference participants during the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Conference of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers in Penang. — Courtesy photo
THE 2024 International Conference of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers (ICBES) brought nearly 100 experts, exhibitors and suppliers to Penang to drive progress and collaboration in butterfly conservation.
The participants, representing 20 countries, attended the conference hosted by Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm and the International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers (IABES).
Having previously hosted ICBES in 2000 and 2009, Entopia chief executive officer Joseph Goh described this year’s event as a special and meaningful homecoming.
“The conference is meant to foster advancement and collaboration in butterfly conservation.
“It brings together individuals from around the world who are passionate about butterflies and education.
“For years, Entopia has aimed to inspire public appreciation of nature, and hosting ICBES amplifies this mission,” he said during the opening ceremony of the four-day event held at a hotel in George Town.
Joseph was also quoted by state publisher Buletin Mutiara as saying that ICBES was a vital platform in sharing ideas, innovations and experiences in butterfly exhibitions, conservation and education.
“We want to explore new advancements, engage in meaningful discussions and reinforce our commitment to protecting butterfly species and their habitats.
“The insights we gain here will shape the future of our industry and contribute to global biodiversity preservation,” he said.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who was also present, commended Entopia and IABES for organising the impactful conference.
He said the event had brought together experts from around the world through a shared dedication to butterflies, conservation and the natural world.
The participants came from countries such as Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Turkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
“Penang’s tourism is deeply connected to its natural and cultural heritage. Events like ICBES reflect Penang’s commitment to eco-tourism as part of its sustainable development goals,” said Wong.
Also present during the opening ceremony were Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran, IABES president Kimberly Kelly and Entopia chairman David Goh.
