AS technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the public service must also evolve, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as one of the key drivers of public sector transformation worldwide.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said AI should not be viewed as a tool to replace civil servants, but rather as an enabler that enhances their capabilities in data analysis, boosts productivity and accelerates public service delivery.
“At the same time, integrity, professional judgement and human wisdom must remain the foundation of every decision we make.
“Penang continues to demonstrate its position as one of the nation’s key economic drivers, and this achievement would not have been possible without an efficient, responsive and high-performing public service.
“I deeply appreciate the commitment of all civil servants, including members of the Administrative and Diplomatic Service (PTD), who have consistently served as strategic partners of the state government in realising the Penang2030 Vision,” Chow said in his speech at the Penang branch dinner of the Administrative and Diplomatic Service Association (PPTD) held at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Bayan Lepas this evening.
Also present were Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, who is also the chairman of the PPTD Penang branch, and the Chief Minister’s senior confidential secretary Mohd Balkish Othman.
Chow expressed confidence that the Penang branch of PPTD would continue to serve as a catalyst for a more efficient, effective and people-centric public service.
“The success of any government policy does not depend solely on sound planning, but also on the ability of the administrative machinery to implement it efficiently, with integrity and full accountability.
“In this regard, PTD officers are among the key pillars that bridge government policies with their implementation on the ground,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said the PPTD Penang branch brings together both state and federal PTD officers serving in Penang under one professional platform.
“As a professional association, I believe the PPTD Penang branch can play a far greater role than merely serving as a platform for social activities.
“It can also strengthen professional networks, facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience, foster greater inter-agency collaboration, and cultivate a spirit of mutual support among PTD officers in Penang,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En