THE OPENING CEREMONY OF PENANG INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FORUM 2017 (PIEF 2017)

Speech by Chief Minister of Penang
At The Opening Ceremony of Penang International Education Forum 2017
(PIEF 2017)

on 25 Aug 2017

Good morning to the PIEF 2017.

Ladies and gentlemen

This is the very first International Education Forum in Penang (PIEF) which showcases educational excellence in Penang. PIEF 2017 seeks to establish Penang as a premier destination for education, easily affordable and accessible to those in the ASEAN region through increased connectivity. We have many flights to our neighbouring cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Medan and Phuket,

Penang is an ideal place to study in, as evidenced by the increasing number of foreign students who choose to make this city their place of learning. In the past, royal and aristocratic families used to send their scions to Penang to pursue their higher education due to our strong background in the English language.

English is the international language of commerce and the internet, and is also widely spoken here. Use Penang as a springboard to learn the language nearer to home before departing for distant countries. While English can be learned in each respective native city, there is nothing like being immersed in an environment outside the usual familiar milieu.

Aside from the benefit of proximity and cultural similarity with our ASEAN neighbours, Penang offers many widely recognized tertiary qualifications, through twinning programs with universities in Australia, the United Kingdom or the United States of America. Courses are offered at a much more affordable rates, due to favourable exchange rates.

PIEF 2017 brings together educationists, counsellors and experts from Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam as well as Malaysia. We hope there will be lively discussions and exchange of ideas for the betterment of our students in ASEAN.

Education allows families to move up the income ladder. A good education ensures the success and prosperity of a country whilst a poor one condemns the country to a vicious cycle of poverty. We owe it to our future generations to create a better world through their education.

Welcome to Penang and we hope you have a fruitful Forum.

Thank you.