There will be both virtual and specially curated physical events this year, with strict adherence to safety measures to keep COVID-19 at bay.

Despite some changes to ensure safety, the event is expected to attract some 4,000 international visionaries, captains of industry, government leaders and academics from over 80 countries.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the pandemic actually accelerated the digital transformation planned by the state government.

“We should invest wisely and effectively in the new digital world that is upon us. All our experts agree that proper management of the digital revolution is key to future progress,” he said.

Curious what TECHFEST2020 LIVE is all about? Here are some of the most important things you have to know:

#1 It’s going to be held in Penang

First thing first: the special edition of World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) called the ROAD-TO-WICT will be held under the umbrella of TECHFEST2020 LIVE from 18 to 20 November 2020.

Since WICT Malaysia had to be postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic, TECHFEST2020 will be building the momentum. And what better way to do that then holding the event at one of the most popular islands in Malaysia, Penang?

#2 It’s going online as well

We’re so lucky to live in a technologically-advanced world where not being able to be physically present doesn’t mean we miss out on cool things.

The TECHFEST2020 LIVE will be telecasted live via ASTRO to Malaysians who subscribe to its services.

On top of that, the event will also be streamed online to a global audience in 83 countries.

While most of the events are held for virtual audience, curated exclusive events will be held at the Setia Spice Convention and Exhibition Centre in Bayan Lepas.

#3 It will feature over 200 on-demand sessions

Be prepared to be spoilt for choice with over 200 on-demand sessions from at least 120 global experts who will be sharing insights, new innovative business models and inspiring success stories of tech use from across the world.

There will be virtual exhibitions, Artificial Intelligence-powered business to business (B2B) matching and networking as well as workshops and masterclasses that you wouldn’t want to miss!

#4 A digital marketplace for you to check out new tech

One of the highlights of the festival is 2020’s Featured Innovations session during which innovative products, services and start-ups will be invited to showcase and build market tractions through a home-shopping-talk-show format called the TECH MARKETPLACE.

This program aims to list 300 new and emerging tech, so there’s plenty for you to look at and experience.

#5 Industry-leaders will be honoured

Don’t miss the 2020 WITSA Global ICT Excellence Awards where the world’s winners whose use and applications of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) exhibit exceptional achievement within nine categories will be honoured.

These are excellent examples of ICT deployment which have made a difference for the community of interest whether it is to provide public services, boosting profits or advancing connectivity.

This year’s categories include 'COVID-19 Tech Solutions for Cities and Localities', 'COVID-19 Tech Solutions for Countries or Regions', and 'COVID-19 Best Industry Solutions', among others.

Are you guys excited for TECHFEST 2020 yet?

TECHFEST2020 is going to be a three-day global technology event packed with immersive virtual reality experiences and interactive programs which feature insights from industry leaders, showcases new technology and shares inspiring impact stories from across the world while highlighting George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang that you wouldn’t want to miss! Trust us; the event will be amazing!