CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow delivered a simple and yet effective sales pitch for Penang when he gave a speech at the WITSA Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards and Gala Dinner 2022 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre last night.
“I would like to invite potential investors who are with us this evening to give Penang due consideration for your next investment, if you have not done so already.
“The state government is always open for discussion. Come talk to us.
“I am happy to learn that more discussions will take place to identify and involve relevant state agencies and corporations as well as to churn out what the state could offer in tourism, high technology and smart manufacturing that have contributed to the track record and success story of Penang’s 50 years of industrialisation,” Chow said during his speech to a big congregation.
He said the state’s track record in attracting foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector has remained strong with RM6.3 billion in total approved manufacturing investments recorded in the first quarter of 2022.
Also, Penang had a record high of RM76.2 billion in total approved manufacturing investments in 2021.
Penang, he said, was very proud to be the host of such a prestigious event.
“WCIT indeed gives all of us an insight and the opportunity to gain first-hand information and understanding on the latest technology development and innovations that are particularly relevant to Penang.
“This gears the state towards achieving the Penang2030 vision for a Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation. And leveraging on technologies and innovations is an important enabler for this vision if we were to be Industry 4.0 ready in the coming years,” he said.
Earlier in the day, he said there was Global Leaders Dialogue that took place at a separate venue, moderated by state exco members Zairil Khir Johari and Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain.
Basically, it was to explore platforms of collaboration between Penang, Malaysia with other economies including Cambodia, Nigeria, Estonia, Greece, South Africa, Indonesia to name a few.
Also present were Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who was the guest of honour, and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, WITSA chairman Yannis Sirros, Pikom chairman and WCIT 2022 organising chairman Dr Sean Seah, WITSA chief executive officer Datuk Dan E Khoo, several state leaders and distinguished guests.
On the WITSA Special Awards, Dan said it was an honour for WITSA to present the 2022 Eminent Person Awards to two persons – Broadcom president and CEO Tan Hock Eng and former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Both, however, were not able to be present and Dr Seah received the awards on their behalf.
The WITSA Lifetime Achievement Award went to long-serving secretary-general Dr James Poisant and Sirros while the Most Valuable Person Award was presented to Chief Minister Chow for his inspirational leadership.
The guests were also treated to Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural dances and also vibrant performances from the Heng Ee wind orchestra.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Law Suun Ying