PENANG is undoubtedly a well-known hub for various entrepreneurial activities, spanning from traditional businesses to economic ventures.
Addressing thousands of people during an entrepreneurial development carnival at Seberang Perai Polytechnic in Permatang Pauh, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised the importance of digital transformation in this era.
“The recently launched Penang Internet Exchange (PIX) is set to boost the state’s business sector growth. PIX is an initiative by the state government, along with other relevant authorities, to create faster internet connectivity for users.
“In the current era of digitalisation, entrepreneurs play an integral role in increasing competitiveness to contribute to the community. The state government is committed to supporting digital transformation efforts.
“We believe that a strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors will establish a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurial development in Penang.
“Furthermore, we have channelled financial assistance and introduced various beneficial programmes to assist entrepreneurs,” said Chow in his speech today.
He expressed gratitude to the Communications Ministry, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Penang Bumiputera Development Council for their efforts in organising the two-day carnival.
To elevate the state to greater heights, Chow encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to strive harder and be creative in expanding their businesses.
“As Chief Minister, I pledge to undertake various initiatives to boost the state’s economy. At the same time, I hope entrepreneurs can share their knowledge with each other,” he said.
Sharing the state’s success, Chow mentioned that Penang maintained its position as the country’s top exporter in December last year, hoping such achievement could continue in the future.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the guest-of-honour, also stressed the importance of digital transformation nowadays.
“We will be left behind if we do not acquire this knowledge. My generation is not well-versed in this digital transformation, but it has become part of our lives after the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Our country is heading in that direction, and we need to have digital literacy knowledge,” he said.
Anwar also drew attention to the importance of empowering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country, citing a high prominence on practical skills development.
The premier reiterated his calls for all department heads of government ministries and agencies to submit their monthly project progress reports.
Separately, Anwar noted the urgent need to speed up the process of expanding the Penang International Airport (PIA), adding that a Cabinet meeting would take place next week to discuss the matter.
Earlier, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil mentioned that the fourth-generation (4G) broadband cellular network coverage extends up to 99.9%, while the fifth-generation (5G) broadband cellular network coverage covers 90.3% in Penang.
Notable attendees included Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Penang Bumiputera Development Council chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, and Seberang Perai Polytechnic director Roseliza Shaari.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat