HOMEGROWN brands, personalities and organisations came in for some praise during the launch of the Penang Power 100 coffee table book at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel in George Town today.
State executive councillor for tourism and creative economy Yeoh Soon Hin said these players have thrived despite the global pandemic and made up the blueprint of Penang’s success.
“Without these people’s strength, hard work and relentless contributions, we would not be what we are today.
“The Penang government has and will always emphasise stakeholders’ engagement and involvement for close collaborations to elevate Penang to greater heights.
“Although the Covid-19 continues to plague us, I am confident Penang will rise to meet the challenges head on.
“I also look forward to a more vigorous 3P partnership framework, involving the public, private and people, to overcome these trials and make our Pearl of the Orient beam with utmost pride,” Yeoh, who was representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said in his speech.
He also commended CHTNetwork founder and president Chng Huck Theng for the publication of the Penang Power 100 coffee table book featuring dynamic, homegrown organisations and influential individuals who have continued to triumph during these challenging times.
Yeoh added that Penang remains steadfast and is committed to achieving Penang2030 – a vision coined by Chow to turn the state into a “Family Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.”
The launch coincided with Happy Human Birthday (or what is known as ‘Ren Ri’ in the Lunar calendar) and Yeoh took the opportunity to wish everyone present good health, prosperity and overwhelming joy this year.
“People always say, “New Year, New Me”, and I believe the rationale behind this saying is that a new year is an opportunity for us to restart, reset and recalibrate,” Yeoh said.
Yeoh later launched the book together with state executive councillor for trade, industry and entrepreneurial development Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Penang Fujian Merchant Association president Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang branch chairman Datuk Lee Teong Li, Penang Tourist Centre Berhad chairman Datuk Syed Mohd Aidid Syed Murtaza and Chng.
Abdul Halim also congratulated CHTNetwork for compiling the Penang Power 100 coffee table book on the contributions of all sectors, especially during this tough period.
“We hope that with their effort, we would like to see the economy back to normalcy,” Abdul Halim said.
Abdul Halim and Yeoh later presented certificates to those organisations or individuals featured in the book.
Chng said the book features stories of organisations from the industries which drive and support Penang’s economy, such as industrial and manufacturing, tourism, medical, education, food and beverage, real estate, creative arts and more.
“The book also honours and celebrates the Penang people, their achievements and contributions, and in rising to the challenge to bring progress to Penang as one community, amidst the Covid-19 crisis,” Chng said.
He said as some countries are gradually relaxing restrictions, Malaysia would also prepare itself for the reopening of international borders. Should that happen, he said now is a good time for the world to visit Penang either for vacation, study or investment.
The Penang Power 100 is not only available as a hardcover coffee table book but also in various digital and social media platforms.
The hardcover copy is priced at RM150 per copy and is available via direct order ([email protected]).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting