A total of 105 booths and 80 participating tech partners from across the globe are showcasing innovative and technology-driven initiatives during the Penang TechFest 2022, from today until Sept 18.
The technology festival is one of the main features of the World Congress on Information Technology 2022 (WCIT2022) at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) is the organiser of the WCIT2022 and TechFest 2022.
TechFest chairman Catherine Lian said the event is an experiential technology festival that will help expose members of the public to innovation, progress and the future of technology that influence lifestyle and business.
“The Penang TechFest also features a 5G zone with autonomous vehicle testing, street eSports, HealthTech, smart cities, SpaceTech, and the multiverse.
“After all, we aim to showcase experiential technology via TechFest to all tech-users in Malaysia, as well as those in Southeast Asia,” Lian said in her speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the festival today.
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Digital Penang chief executive officer Tony Yeoh and Pikom chairman and organising chairman of WCIT 2022 Dr Sean Seah.
Chow said Penang TechFest 2022 can enhance Penang’s image as a regional hub of innovation and technology.
“I believe it will be a catalyst for technology-related businesses and tourism-related economic activities.
“I am also confident that through TechFest 2022, our participants will be able to gain a better understanding of new technologies and innovations that they can leverage, and catch a glimpse of emerging and future technologies,” he said.
According to Chow, the educating element in TechFest 2022 certainly augurs well with the efforts of the state government to create an inclusive digital society.
“This is pivotal in our Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’ as outlined in the Penang Digital Transformation Masterplan (DTMP).
“In developing the DTMP, we acknowledge the fact that digitalisation is an experience and for the people, they must ‘feel’ the benefits of using technology to improve and enhance how they learn, work, live and play.
“And I see TechFest 2022 is an ideal platform for the people to get that ‘feel’ on the benefits of technology,” said Chow.
Chow added that TechFest 2022 also offers business opportunities to Penang-based tech companies and start-ups to showcase their products, technologies and innovations to potential buyers and investors.
“This is a great boost for our local and international leaders on technology to gain market exposure at domestic, regional, and global levels,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis