IT was definitely a night to remember for the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) when it celebrated its 185th anniversary with plenty of excitement, good food and heartwarming band performances.
The anniversary celebration was held at the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel tonight.
Hundred of MICCI members and special guests attended the anniversary celebration.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was also among the distinguished guests at the ceremony, said MICCI has come a long way since it was first founded in Penang in 1837.
It was then known as the Penang Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture before it changed its name to the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1963.
As it was founded at a time of political and economic difficulties, Chow said it started as a voice representing the varied interest of its multi-racial and international members.
It first represented traders and mercantile merchants in the agricultural sector before growing to represent a more diverse range that now includes manufacturers, hoteliers, educators, medical and a host of other services.
“The voice that is now known as MICCI has become stronger and louder at various levels and in other states with every passing year.
“We further recognise that MICCI is now in the steady hands of your office bearers and continues to show strong commitment towards your founding goals and solidly supported by 185 years of experience and counting,” Chow said in his speech during the anniversary celebration at E&O Hotel tonight.
Chow added that MICCI and the Penang government share a dynamic working relationship.
“This is proven with member representation in at least four state committees headed by the respective state executive councillors.
“While the state industrial statistics have been phenomenal for the past years, however, it must be emphasised that what Penang has achieved does not exist in a vacuum.
“Instead, it is a collective success, thanks to a strong partnership between the state government, government agencies, industry players as well as chambers like MICCI which have been instrumental in highlighting issues to be addressed.
“Holding onto the state’s celebration tagline of ’50 Years of Excellence and Beyond’, I believe it becomes more important that we reflect on lessons learned, reposition our strengths and rebound from weaknesses for us to welcome many more years of success, together.
“My heartiest congratulations to tonight’s organising committee and MICCI members on your 185th anniversary. Have a fun-filled evening and my best wishes to all,” he added.
Meanwhile, MICCI vice-president Michel Van Crombrugge reiterated the chamber’s commitment to further strengthening its existing relation and cooperation with the Penang government.
“I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the state government for its continuous support to the MICCI Penang and Northern Branch all these years,” he said.
Also present during the anniversary celebration were Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Consul-General of Thailand in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, MICCI president Christina Tee and Northern Branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix and video by Alissala Thian