IT was a night full of music, dance and glitter at the annual dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of Renesas Semiconductor (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
Renesas (then known as Hitachi Semiconductor) was one of the ‘Eight Samurais’ – the eight companies that first invested in Penang’s nascent technology zone five decades ago.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the occasion was particularly significant as it was in tandem with the state government’s year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrialisation journey.
“As we all know, Penang’s transformational journey from being a seaport state to becoming the nation’s top location for foreign direct investments started with the inception of the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone in 1972.
“It was from that first bold step and the immeasurable faith that these ‘Eight Samurais’ had in Penang’s potential as an industrial heavyweight, that this strategic partnership has since given birth to many local entrepreneurs, a robust industrial ecosystem and a state that punches way above its weight.
“In this regard, who could have ever imagined Penang achieving its highest ever total approved manufacturing investments at RM76.2 billion in the year 2021? Or that Penang accounted for 39% of Malaysia’s total manufacturing investments? Or Penang’s gross domestic product (GDP) reaching RM99 billion with the highest year-on-year growth among all states in 2021?” Chow questioned in his speech at the dinner at Setia SPICE Convention Centre this evening.
Chow said those figures were strong testaments that the state is on the right track, heading towards prosperity and progress.
“We have much to look forward to in welcoming a more vibrant economic growth and employment opportunities for Penangites and Malaysians,” he said.
He also lauded Renesas for leaving a lasting impact on society by helping to inculcate and nurture various positive virtues.
“They include developing talents and resources in areas such as quality assurance, training, environmental protection, and industrial safety.
“It is praiseworthy that Renesas has also substantially engaged in corporate social responsibility activities, charity programmes for the needy, welfare for the staff and recreational activities.
“As one of the key players in Penang’s economy, Renesas will always hold a special place in the state’s industrial history and legacy.
“With your focus on semiconductors and other core electronic products, you have helped to bridge Penang with global technologies and markets,” Chow said.
Renesas Semiconductor (Malaysia) president Mitsuru Ota thanked the guests for their strong support and contribution to the Group.
“We look forward to contributing to the semiconductor industry for the next 50 years!” he said.
The guests enjoyed the gamelan performance, acrobatic show, Yosakoi dance competition, the Kilauan Emas singing performances, cultural dances, and the lucky draw at the event.
Also present was Renesas Electronics Corporation senior vice-president and production and technology unit general manager Eizaburo Shono.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat