MICCI stays upbeat in virtual dialogue

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THE year-long Covid-19 pandemic has halted various national and state-level physical dialogue sessions, and the latest to join the list was the ‘Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry Northern Branch Annual Dialogue with Chief Minister of Penang’.

 

But, with technology, the annual dialogue session proceeded through video call with his participation as well as MICCI representatives and other key industry players in the state.

 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, during his opening remarks, said the state’s investment performance for 2020 (January to September) totalling RM10.6 billion could not compare with the 2019’s all-time-high of RM16.9 billion (for the entire year).

 

“However, domestic direct investments (DDI) deserve to be commended for bagging higher investment inflows compared to foreign direct investments (FDI) in the third quarter of this year.”

 

Out of the RM1.5 billion garnered through approved manufacturing investments in the third quarter of this year (July to September), DDI claimed RM1.1 billion while the remaining RM401.9 million came from FDI.

 

“I am glad to note that Penang’s manufacturing sector remains promising, with the ability to cushion the struggling service sector and support our local economy during this pandemic.

 

“The pandemic right from the get-go has clouded us with uncertainties and marked a rather gloomy start for 2020.

 

“Against such a backdrop, I believe the theme for this year’s dialogue, ‘Penang’s Economic Recovery Post Covid-19’ has adequately encompassed our current position in addressing the repercussions brought about by the pandemic,” Chow said during the 7th MICCI Northern Branch Annual Dialogue via teleconference at Komtar today.

 

Participants of the MICCI Northern Branch Annual Dialogue via teleconference

 

Other topics discussed during the dialogue were initiatives taken by the state government to revive the tourism sector and job portals to provide opportunities for job seekers in the state.

 

In response to efforts pertaining to reviving the tourism sector, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan said the state has ever since embarked on various efforts such as introducing ‘Responsible Tourism’ and accreditation system.

 

“Ever since the movement control order (MCO) was implemented in March, these two efforts were seen crucial to revive the affected tourism sector, and even now, with conditional movement control order (CMCO), the efforts are ongoing,” said Ooi.

 

Chow said the state has an existing platform called Penang Career Assistance and Talent (CAT) Centre, which serves as a point of contact for jobseekers and employers.

 

“Penang CAT Centre, which was set up in 2009 under the supervision of InvestPenang, is a programme focused by the Penang government to attract and retain talents in the state.

 

“This is one of the many initiatives by the state government as we continue to strive and ensure that Penang remains a successful state in various sectors and a state that cares for its people,” Chow added.

 

Chow also commended MICCI for organising the online dialogue session regardless of the unusual circumstances that the world is in now.

 

Also joining the teleconference were Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Datuk Addnan Razali, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and MICCI Penang branch chairman Michel Van Crombrugge.

 

Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad