THE Penang government is actively engaging with the public to gather feedback on the Penang2030 vision that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced on Aug 28 last year.
An exercise, known as the Penang2030 Stakeholders Open Day, was held at the Iconic Hotel in Bukit Mertajam for Seberang Perai residents today.
Chow, who attended the event after officiating the opening of IKEA Batu Kawan, said another such exercise would be held for Penang island residents at Olive Tree Hotel tomorrow (9am to 1.30pm).
“We would like all the stakeholders to understand what it (Penang2030) is all about. When they come for the open day, they would be briefed by personnel from Think City, Penang Institute and the state Penang2030 unit,” Chow told a press conference after being briefed by them on the four main themes of the vision.
“These three units are responsible for gathering feedback from the society. All the themes and initiatives are interconnected. No theme is of priority. Every theme is important for the progress of Penang. The Penang2030 aims to achieve a family focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation.”
“We will launch a Penang2030 booklet on April 27 to give more details (about the plan) so that all sectors will understand the state’s direction and play their respective roles.
“It will serve as a guide to help the state government, its agencies, community, private sectors, community, individuals and families, to achieve the goals.”
Chow said the briefing session, which was already held for the state executive councillors, would be arranged for all state representatives and heads of departments.
There were at least 50 feedback gathered at the Penang2030 Stakeholders Open Day, with the visitors ranging from the education, multinational corporations, housing and agricultural sectors.
The four main themes are to increase liveability to enhance quality of life, upgrade the economy to raise household incomes, empower people to strengthen civic participation and to invest in the built environment to improve resilience.
Also present with him were his wife Tan Lean Kee, State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang and Rehda Penang chairman Datuk Toh Chin Leong, who is also the IJM Land Bhd (north) senior general manager.
The personnel involved with organising the event were Oh Chin Eng and Teh Yee Teng from the Penang2030 Unit under the Chief Minister’s office, with the help of facilitators from Penang Institute led by Ong Siou Woon and Think City led by Dr Matt Benson.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Chan Kok Kuan