The Ground Opening Ceremony of Penang International Commercial City
Speech by Chief Minister of Penang
At The Ground Opening Ceremony of Penang International Commercial City
10 November 2018
Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Penang
YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affair / State Assemblyman of Pantai Jerejak
YB Dto’ Law Choo Kiang, Penang State Legislative Assembly Speaker
YB Prof. Dr. Ramasamy a/l Palanisamy, Deputy Chief Minister of Penang II
YB Jagdeep Singh Deo a/l Karpal Singh, State EXCO
YB Dato’ Ar. Yew Tung Seang, Mayor of Penang Island City Council (MBPP)
YB Dato’ Seri Khor Teng Tong, Group Founder / Executive Advisor of Hunza Properties Berhad
YB Dato’ Khor Siang Gin, Group Managing Director of Hunza Properties Berhad
Board of Directors and Senior Management of Hunza Group
Distinguish guests,
Fellow guests from Hong Kong,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is indeed an honour and a privilege for me to attend this important event, on this occasion of the ground breaking ceremony of the Penang International Commercial CIty (PICC), which will soon transform the skyline of Penang.
I wish to applaud this commendable effort by Hunza, one of the reputable developers in the state, which marks another important milestone in the development of the state’s real estate and services industry.
Making Penang a world class international city is not impossible. The Penang State Government is committed to transform Penang into an international city and it is obvious that the location of PICC itself begs the fact that this is a choice location for investors, tourists and for Malaysians desiring sustainable living.
In this time and age, we have to realise that the evolution of work and our lifestyle demands that we rethink the spaces in which we work, live and play.
For the development of PICC, we envisage a vibrant community amidst a smart, green and safe environment, and like what Dato’ Khor Siang Gin in mentioned just now, these are the core elements in the development, which is also in line with the state government’s Penang2030 vision.
We have a strong pipeline of public infrastructure projects coming through, which will take time to come on-stream.
The Penang Transport Master Plan will be implemented in stages, so that efficient public transport is in line with our progressive Penang’s city status.
I am glad to hear that PICC is designed to enhance connectivity in this area and will promote more trade exchange, attract more foreign investment and provide a safe, green and sustainable lifestyle for all its stakeholders.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed how digital technologies brought about changes and opportunities to many industries.
These technologies will have a significant impact on domestic-oriented sectors such as retail, accommodation, F&B, and administrative support. It improves the operational performance; provides greater transparency and more interaction among citizens.
If cities want to make the transition into becoming “smart cities”, digital information technology will play a key part.
I was therefore pleased to learn that PICC will adopt the digitalization approach to create a city with enhanced performance and better quality for its habitants.
I am confident that this smart, integrated development will attract progressive companies seeking a future-enabled environment to grow their business, and attract the best talents, whilst providing a safe and conducive living for the residents.
Finally, I wish to extend my congratulations to Hunza on the groundbreaking of the PICC, and I am certainly looking forward to the development of the commercial city.
Thank you.