SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE TOUCH ‘N GO E-WALLET IN PENANG PRESS CONFERENCE
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE
TOUCH ‘N GO E-WALLET IN PENANG PRESS CONFERENCE
3 JANUARY 2020
Yang Berhormat Zairil Khir Johari
State Exco for Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation
Yang Berhormat Teh Lai Heng
Komtar State Assemblyman and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister
Yang Berhormat Chris Lee Chun Kit
Pulau Tikus State Assemblyman
Mr. Ignatius Ong
CEO of TNG Digital Sdn Bhd
Esteemed partners and members of the media,
It brings me great pleasure to be here today to welcome the transformation that Touch ‘n Go eWallet is bringing to our beloved city. Embracing digital and a cashless way of life is something that we all hear and talk about but to practically inculcate it as part of our everyday life - I must admit, in the past I did have my doubts about it. However, after hearing and experiencing for myself just how easy and convenient (not to mention
safe) going cashless is with the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, I myself will have to convert to the cashless way of life because of the many benefits it brings!
Even the Government is encouraging Malaysians to embrace a digital payment lifestyle, through its recent ‘e-Tunai Rakyat’ initiative with its allocation of RM30 to eligible Malaysians through the Touch ‘n Go eWallet as one of its partners. I fully support this push towards going cashless and I for one, would like to see every Penangite embrace a cashless lifestyle.
This is why I’m happy today to officially announce that Touch ‘n Go eWallet is here in Penang and will be instrumental in championing the local community, both consumers and businesses towards adopting a cashless lifestyle!
Penang is a historical beacon and a state rich in heritage, but we are also on the cusp of a digital transformation especially with the launch of the inclusive and holistic ‘Penang2030’ plan. The Penang2030 vision is a dynamic action plan that focuses on improving liveability, the economy,
civic participation and balanced development to achieve a “Family-focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation”.
In line with our existing plan, this partnership with Touch ‘n Go eWallet could not have come at a more opportune time - with cashless transactions eliminating the need for paper receipts. With the arrival of an eWallet with its exclusive key features for Malaysians, Penang is becoming a more connected and smarter city.
It is my vision to propel Penang further in becoming a smart and connected city at the forefront, inspiring the nation towards greater advancement in every aspect. The introduction of the Touch ‘n Go eWallet is in line with that as we will witness a more digitally inclusive means of transacting that pushes for a healthy and thriving economy. I am also happy to see that Touch ‘n Go eWallet has developed partnerships with local homegrown startups; MULA and DeliverEat and beyond that, their efforts to develop the local startup and technology scene. Their support for the Penang Community in cultural events is also very much appreciated.
Today, we are opening the ‘cashless’ doors for all Penangites; consumers and merchants alike, from the more established big merchants to SMEs, traders and the roadside stalls and mamaks. I am thrilled to see many of our local businesses adopt and implement the Touch ‘n Go eWallet as
their digital payment mode as this helps them innovate and stay relevant in the current market landscape.
Striking a balance between maintaining our beloved state’s heritage and embracing the technological advances is crucial and the #ClassicgoesCashless initiative certainly runs in tandem with my vision. It’s great to see that beyond the big establishments, Touch ‘n Go eWallet has also focused on key heritage streets in Georgetown such as Chowrasta Market, Armenian Street, Nagore Street as well as area in Pulau Tikus and Tanjung Tokong. With the upcoming Chinese New Year, this comes at a right time for Penangites to give the eWallet a try.
This is a terrific initiative by Touch ‘n Go eWallet to elevate Penang to greater digital heights.
I would like to thank Touch ‘n Go eWallet for this partnership and for actively championing not only the nation’s cashless agenda but also locally here in Penang. Let me also take this opportunity to encourage local Penang businesses to consider adopting a safer way to accept payments and I look forward to more collaborations with Touch ‘n Go eWallet in the eGovernment and mobility sector.
Penang is well on its way to becoming a truly cashless state. You have the full support of the Penang State Government and we are all excited to see what’s in store in the future for Touch ‘n Go eWallet in Penang.
Thank you.