PENANG looks forward to fostering closer ties between Malaysia and Ukraine with the official opening of the Ukraine consulate in George Town today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was delighted with the setting up of the consulate at No. 8, Jalan Green Hall, as it was one of items discussed during a courtesy call on him by Ukraine Ambassador to Malaysia, Olexander Nechytaylo, in March last year.
Chow also took the opportunity to congratulate Nechytaylo, members of the Ukrainian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the government of Ukraine on the country’s Independence Day which falls on Aug 24, which is today.
He also congratulated Penang businessman Datuk Seri Chuah Kim Seah on his appointment as the Ukraine honorary consul in Penang.
“You (Datuk Seri Chuah) are the 20th honorary consul in Penang. We’ve seen the number grew in the last few years and it is a testimony to the confidence of our foreign countries in Penang,” Chow said in his speech at E&O Hotel to celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine and the opening of the Ukraine consulate in Penang.
“Since diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Ukraine was established in 1992, both countries have maintained ties based on trust and mutual respect.
“I hope our ties will be strengthened in the fields of business, investment, and other areas of mutual interest.
“We welcome interests from Ukrainian companies to consider Penang as their operational base and manufacturing site not only for Malaysia, but also for the whole of Southeast Asia and East Asia markets.
“I truly believe that by combining our efforts and utilising our resources, we will scale new horizons and bring about new opportunities for the benefit of our nations.”
Chow, who was accompanied by his wife Tan Lean Kee, also thanked the organisers for presenting a video on the beauty of Ukraine.
For Nechytaylo, he thanked Wisma Putra, the Penang government and Chow for supporting the initiative of opening a consulate in Penang.
He also thanked Chuah for taking the responsibility of being an honorary consul of Ukraine in Penang and also Polish consul-general in Penang, Datuk Seri Suppiah Manikam, for his support to help make the auspicious event happen.
“Penang is well known as a powerful semi-conductor industry and IT hub. Penang port is one of the major gateways for Ukrainian goods to enter Malaysia,” Nechytaylo said in his speech.
“Penang is also a second home for quite a number of Ukrainians.
“I hope that despite the current uncertainties due to Covid-19, with the opening of this consulate, our business relations, trade and tourism will grow and reach a new level.
“I hope more business people from Ukraine will visit Malaysia and vice-versa.
“Malaysia and Ukraine may seem distant, but we are close at heart and soul. Let’s bring this friendship even closer.”
He added that Ukraine is willing to share its IT, fintech and blockchain-based public services solutions with Malaysian partners.
He said last year, 15,000 Ukrainians travelled to Malaysia, that is more than 1,000 every month. A significant portion of them came to Penang.
“The reason is obvious – Ukrainians love good food and history.
“And I believe that Penangites will also discover the beauty of my country, just as Penang Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, did when he visited Kyiv last year,” Nechytaylo said.
Chuah said he would do his best to promote Penang and share the Penang2030 vision to Ukrainians; and also to promote the beauty of Ukraine to Penangites, his business associates and friends.
He also thanked Suppiah for his advice and encouragement to take up the consul’s job.
“I believe this is a good journey for me to take. I hope to receive all the support from my friends and family,” said Chuah, adding that he would be aided by Datin Wira Winnie Heng and his personal assistant Cecilia Loo Lay See in running the consulate.
Also present at the dinner reception were Chuah’s wife, Datin Seri Tan Soon Kim, state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Deputy State Speaker Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, Poland Ambassador to Malaysia Krzysztof Debnicki, Japan consul-general in Penang Shinichiro Kanoya, Thailand consul-general in Penang Raschada Jiwalai and Indonesia consul-general in Penang Bambang Suharto and Hunza Group founder Datuk Seri Khor Teng Tong.
Prior to the dinner reception, Chow received a courtesy call from Nechytaylo and his wife Triana Nechytaylo.
With them were Debnicki and wife Ewa Debnicki, Suppiah and Chuah.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian