THE Penang government has always strived for balanced development on the island and Seberang Perai.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state has intensified its efforts towards this goal since 2018.
“This was proven with the Penang Structure Plan 2030 (RSNPP2030) which was gazetted on Oct 24, 2019.
“State agencies such as the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), InvestPenang and many others are actively implementing strategic plans for the growth of new development areas, especially in Seberang Perai, based on the ‘Green and Smart City’ concept.
“Through such efforts, we are glad to see that in addition to the already-established industrial areas of Bukit Minyak, Valdor, Mak Mandin, and others, the Batu Kawan industrial area has now emerged as a world-renowned electrical and electronics (E&E) technology hub.
“In addition, the collaboration between Ideal Property Group and the state government to establish the Penang Technology Park in Bertam coincides with the state’s initiative to promote tripartite public-private-people partnership strategies to accelerate the state’s development,” Chow said in his speech during the grand relaunch ceremony of Citadines Prai Penang in Bukit Mertajam today.
Also present were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Exopuri Development Sdn Bhd managing director Ng Kock Leong and Ascott’s Country general manager for Malaysia Mondi Mecja.
Chow emphasised that the future of Penang is in Seberang Perai.
“If we aim high and look far enough, we will discover that Seberang Perai has a plethora of opportunities for economic growth and income generation, especially in terms of tourism and long-term stays.
“This is true, given our booming economy and the high demand for foreign experts in the surrounding industrial areas of Seberang Perai, as well as Penang’s significant increase in international arrivals since the re-opening of borders on April 1, 2022.
“As the Chief Minister of Penang and Batu Kawan MP, I must say that I am pleased to see that Seberang Perai is making good progress in this new area of growth, with numerous tourism, industrial, residential and commercial projects underway.
“It is my sincere hope that, through the various initiatives of the state government in collaboration with the private sector, we can continue to capitalise on the opportunities available and spearhead the development of Seberang Perai as the new destination of choice for people to live, work and visit,” he added.
Speaking about the event, Chow said the serviced apartment has been rebranded from Sky Residence Prai into Citadines Prai Penang.
“I would like to congratulate Exopuri Development Sdn Bhd for its successful cooperation with The Ascott Limited (Ascott).
“It has resulted in the change of residence name from Sky Residence Prai by the Ascott to Citadines Prai Penang.
“With this revamp, I look forward to seeing Citadines Prai Penang further propel us to our goal and set a new benchmark for tourism products offered by Penang,” Chow said.
Meanwhile, Mecja said Citadines Prai Penang is surrounded by numerous multinational companies, offices and high-tech enterprises.
“With three apartment types, from studio to two-bedroom, these 168 Penang serviced apartments are poised to meet your different lifestyle needs.
“Equipped with wireless internet access, efficient business support services and modern entertainment systems, it provides a seamless environment for work or play during your stay.
“It is also a short walking distance to Juru Sentral, Icon City, restaurants and entertainment venues,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis