The Opening of NEX Penang Conference 2018
Speech by Chief Minister of Penang
At The Opening of NEX Penang Conference 2018
8 November 2018
Dato’ Jerry Chan
Chairman of NEX 2018 Organising Committee
Mr Chew Why Hoong
Deputy Chairman
Dr John Ng
Principal of Meta Consulting
Members of the committee:
a) Mr John Tan
b) Ms Elisa Khaw
c) Mr Chew Ewe Hong
d) Ms Cassandra Gan
e) Ms Chew Ming Y
f) Ms Chew Yan Y
Speakers from Malaysia, Singapore and United Kingdom (UK)
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
A very good morning to all of you.
First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the Organising Committee for once again, successfully organising the NEX Penang Leadership Conference 2018. I was informed that the last conference was held in 2016 at the Olive Tree Hotel, Bayan Lepas.
On behalf of the Penang State Government, it is a great honour and pleasure for me to greet all of you Selamat Datang or Welcome to Penang. I am indeed privileged to see Penang hosting our guests and speakers from near and far.
Today, Penang has placed itself prominently on the world map, well known for its food, cultural heritage and most importantly, the hospitality of its people. We hope that you will be well acquainted with everything that NEX and Penang have to offer to you. The urban development in Penang is top-notch but we still give priority to our environment and heritage sites in this rapid growth of the city. The high quality of our amenities, services and infrastructure in terms of healthcare, education, job opportunities and recreation has made Penang a natural choice for local and foreign talents who choose to work and live in Penang.
Ladies and gentlemen,
NEX Penang 2018 which will be held over the next 3 days, will be packed with sharing of experiences, practices and lessons from various renown speakers and distinguished role models, including big names from the industry and ministers. NEX, which stands for Nurture, Engage & Exchange, will become a medium for our local and international experts to share their views and experience of thought-leadership. I believe good and great leaders are needed to build a better nations. And for sure a good and great leader will make the difference for the entire organization.
This year’s theme: The Art of Partnership, aimed to inspire, refresh and challenge participants to nurture value-based leadership, equip them with fresh perspectives and develop new competencies to be effective in their corporate world and society.
I am happy that the Organising Committee has seen the need for new leaders to emerge, current leaders to advance and partners enhance their capabilities in creating better relationships and stronger bonds within their partnerships.
Partnerships are important. More so today where everything is more connected, information is spread like wildfire and equally misinformation is more damaging. Partnerships require mutual respect. Respect for differences in style, strengths, abilities and weaknesses.
Relationships are a form of partnership. Involvement is also a form of partnership. Partnerships form when friendships build. For example, constant attendance in church, or any religious society, will also create a partnership because loyalty, contribution, service and sacrifice develop and continue.
To start a partnership, it requires trust. Be clear, be true and be considerate. Right words, right time and the right spirit will go a long way to build up the partnership and bond. Regular and good communication helps understanding, alleviates mistrust and removes suspicion.
Partnerships last because the whole partnership works for the greater good. It can be a change, a change that is needed for a family, a society, a community, a country and beyond. Everyone needs to learn to be givers rather than just takers. Only when everyone starts to give and contribute, we'll have a society take cares for all.
With these thoughts, let me once again welcome you all, and extend my wishes for a successful and fruitful conference.
Thank you.