PENANG’s longstanding friendship with China continues to gain momentum, anchored by strong economic cooperation, growing people-to-people exchanges and renewed tourism connectivity, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the 2026 Spring Festival Reception hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel.
Extending his appreciation to the Consulate General for hosting the annual celebration, Chow described the Spring Festival as a symbol of renewal, hope and togetherness, noting that the Year of the Horse reflects the spirit guiding Penang–China relations.
“In Chinese culture, the horse represents long journeys, determination and the confidence to keep moving forward.
“These qualities reflect very well the relationship between Penang and China — a relationship built on trust, commitment and steady progress over time,” he said.
Chow highlighted three key values inspired by the Horse zodiac, endurance, partnership and connection, as central to navigating today’s rapidly changing global landscape.
“In such times, endurance matters. Progress does not happen overnight. It requires patience, balance and cooperation. Penang, and Malaysia as a whole, believe strongly in peaceful engagement, openness and mutual respect.
“We believe that strong partnerships, not isolation, are the way forward,” he stressed.
On economic collaboration, Chow revealed that from January to November 2025, Malaysia’s exports to China reached RM255 billion, with Penang contributing RM143 billion, more than half of the national total, largely driven by electrical and electronic products.
He added that Penang recorded RM4.2 billion in approved manufacturing investments from China in 2025 alone, while cumulative Chinese investments over the past decade have reached nearly RM16 billion.
“Today, more than 80 Chinese companies operate in Penang. They bring not only capital, but also skills, technology and long-term partnerships that benefit our people,” Chow said, citing major investors such as Guangdong Tianyu Semiconductor and TF-AMD Microelectronics.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed Penang’s openness to high-value, future-oriented Chinese investments that strengthen global supply chains.
Turning to tourism and connectivity, Chow welcomed the launch of the new direct Guangzhou–Penang flight, with more routes from Chinese cities in the pipeline, alongside the China–Malaysia Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement signed last year.
“These flights are like new paths opened for the horse to travel, shortening distances and bringing our people closer together,” he said, adding that improved air links and visa-free travel will provide strong momentum for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Chinese Consul-General in Penang Zhou Youbin was also present at the reception, where he highlighted the positive and enduring relationship between Penang and China, tracing its roots from the past to the present, and reaffirming both sides’ commitment to deepening cooperation across economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Concluding his address, Chow called for continued unity and collaboration.
“The Year of the Horse reminds us that progress comes from endurance, partnership and connection.
“As Penang and China continue this journey together, let us strengthen our cooperation, deepen our friendship, and move forward with the spirit of the horse, resilient, energetic and united in purpose,” he said.
Also present at the event were Chow’s wife, Tan Lean Kee, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, state Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, and other key representatives.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi