PENANG is open to partnerships in trade, technology, education and innovation to strengthen its digital economy and create more opportunities for local businesses and workers, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said Penang was ready to embrace the changes brought about by artificial intelligence and digital technology while ensuring that economic growth benefited businesses of all sizes.
“Penang is ready. In 2025, our economy grew by 7.3%, ahead of the national rate of 5.2%.
“Our task is to make sure this growth reaches the small trader and the young job-seeker as well as the large factory,” he said.
Chow was speaking at the presentation of the Distinguished Meritorious Service Award to Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) chairman Tan Sri Prof Dr Tan Khoon Hai at The Millen Penang today.
He said 8,646 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had benefited from capacity-building programmes through Digital Penang.
As of the third quarter of this year, Penang had recorded 330 start-ups, generating an estimated RM118 million in revenue and creating job opportunities.
The state government had allocated RM4.5 million for next year to continue supporting the development of the digital economy, he added.
Chow said the digital economy should not only benefit large companies but also reach smaller businesses and create employment opportunities for the people.
“A digital economy is only as strong as the smallest business it can reach,” he said.
On international cooperation, Chow said the United Nations Sustainable Development Digital Economy Summit provided a platform for cities and countries to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
He said Penang hoped to strengthen ties with international partners, particularly those from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Earlier, Chow congratulated Dr Tan on receiving the award, describing his contributions to education and social harmony as a continuation of the legacy of PCTH.
He highlighted the history of Pitt Street in George Town, where a Chinese temple, Anglican church, mosque and Hindu temple stand in close proximity.
He said the PCTH was established by merchants in the 19th century to address disputes and represent the interests of the Chinese community.
“Titles and honours come and go. What lasts is what we build for others,” he said.
Dr Tan said he was deeply honoured and grateful to receive the recognition, describing it as both an acknowledgement of his contributions and a responsibility to serve society further.
He said international cooperation, unity and resource-sharing were increasingly important amid rapid developments in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
He hoped the summit would strengthen ties between Penang and countries in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean while creating more opportunities for cooperation in technology, trade, economic relations and social development.
“An honour of true significance belongs not only to an individual but also to all those who have contributed to social progress, international friendship and the common development of humanity,” he said.
World Governance and Strategic Cooperation International Organisation (WGSC) president Alan Dong said the award presented to Dr Tan recognised his contributions to international relations, social development and public service.
Among those who attended the reception were state Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, PCTH deputy chairman Datuk Hwang Thean Long, Hunza Properties Group founder and executive adviser Datuk Seri Khor Teng Tong, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh and prominent business leaders.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi