To strengthen Penang’s identity as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East,’ the state government will continue to bolster the state’s ecosystem in various fields, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the fields include electrical and electronic (E&E) manufacturing, integrated circuit (IC) design, medical technology, digital district, and the new economy.
He said this during his speech before officiating the launching of Pikom CIO Chapter (PCC) Northern Region at the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel this evening.
“Emphasis will be on fostering innovation and technological advancements to propel Penang to the forefront of the global technological landscape.
“As an example, the World Congress on Innovation and Technology 2022 (WCIT 2022), hosted by Penang in September 2022, was a testament to our commitment.
“With over 4,000 participants from 60 countries, WCIT 2022 became a global platform stimulating discussions, driving collaborations, and spearheading transformations through technological adoption, digital innovation, and foreign investment.
“After all, the Penang government is dedicated to providing the necessary support and infrastructure for the technology industry’s growth,” he said.
Speaking about the programme, Chow said the inauguration of the PCC Northern Region is timely and aligns seamlessly with the thriving technological ecosystem evolving in Penang.
“With the launch of the Pikom CIO Chapter (PCC) Northern Region today, I hope to witness more forward-thinking initiatives and collaborations that will propel Penang towards embracing digitalisation, innovation, and sustainability, in line with the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“As we embark on today’s journey, let us reaffirm our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the shared goal of building a brighter future for Penang. Together, I am confident that we will propel our state to greater heights,” said Chow.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Zeng, National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) chairman Ong Chin Seong, PCC Northern Region chairperson Ngoh Chee Hung and PCC Northern Region exco member Datuk Lee See Nee.
Ong said the establishment of the Northern sub-chapter signifies a pivotal moment for Pikom.
“It expands our reach beyond the Klang Valley, bringing us closer to the vibrant tech scene in Penang.
“PCC Northern Region is a platform for our members in the north to exchange ideas, collaborate, and advocate for their unique needs.
“Their collective voice will resonate, not just within Pikom, but also in shaping national discourse on technology and innovation.
“After all, our vision is to make a difference to the ICT practitioners and industry as a whole in Malaysia by exchanging information and sharing experiences, providing a platform for building professional networks, collaborating and exploring leading-edge technologies, and employing best practices in ICT management,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat