CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow lauded Junior Chamber International (JCI) Penang for its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and community service as the organisation celebrated its 70th anniversary with a grand dinner at the St Giles Wembley Hotel tonight.
In his speech, Chow commended JCI Penang’s ability to remain relevant over the past seven decades, describing the milestone as “quite a journey” that not many organisations could have sustained for such a long time.
“You’ve grown, adapted, and continued to make a real difference in people’s lives.
“You’ve helped shape young leaders, created business opportunities, and connected Penang with the wider world. You’ve also stood firm on your values —unity, service, and active citizenship. For that, you have my full respect,” he said.
Chow also thanked JCI Penang’s 2025 president William Khoo and his team for fostering international collaborations and delivering impactful community projects.
He highlighted the Penang2030 vision, which places strong emphasis on empowering the public and encouraging greater civic engagement through institutional reforms.
“When we hear the word ‘reform’, we often think it’s something the government must lead. And yes, we’ve a role to play. But real reform needs everyone on board, especially youth.
“We need young people, your members, to step up, share new ideas, and help shape the way forward. Because the future belongs to you,” Chow said.
Addressing current societal challenges, Chow underscored the importance of digital literacy and the ability to discern information in an age of information overload.
He noted with pride that Penang leads the nation in verifying the reliability of online information, citing a rate of 38.7 per cent, and urged JCI Penang to play a leadership role in raising awareness about artificial intelligence, digital safety, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“While we celebrate your 70-year journey, I want to plant this simple thought: How can JCI Penang shape the next 70?” he posed to the audience, expressing confidence that the organisation’s best work is still ahead.
He concluded by thanking JCI Penang for being “changemakers, bridge-builders, and proud Penangites.
“The state government values your contribution, and we look forward to walking this journey with you for many years to come. Happy Sweet 70!” Chow said.
Also present were former Chief Minister and JCI Penang honorary patron Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon; state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen; organising chairman Tan Chin Yann; JCI Penang 2025 president William Khoo; JCI Senator Dato Ts Ong Seng Huat; JCI Senator Datuk Seri Dr Yee Thiam Sun; immediate past president and Area North Youth & Alumni director Zeon Cheong; and delegates from Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan.
Dr Koh recalled that JCI Penang was introduced in 1955 by none other than the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, the second Chief Minister of Penang.
He said the torch had been passed from generation to generation and congratulated JCI Penang for engaging schools in its activities.
He also reminisced about his own youth, sharing that when he was president of the Interact Club at Methodist Boys’ School, founded by the Rotary Club, he was selected to attend a regional Rotarian conference in Singapore in 1965. At the conference, he was inspired by a speech delivered by the then Prime Minister of Singapore, the late Lee Kuan Yew, which spurred many attendees to pursue paths in politics and community service.
“For JCI Penang, collective action and effective execution are crucial to achieving both vision and mission. I congratulate the members for their time and effort in turning plans into success.
“I hope they continue to groom younger members to make JCI Penang even better as they move forward,” Dr Koh said.
In his speech, William Khoo expressed gratitude to past leaders whose contributions had built the foundation of JCI Penang’s success.
“JCI Penang is a training ground for young professionals to contribute to Penang’s development and help shape the nation,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
