Hunza 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Speech by Chief Minister of Penang
At Hunza 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner
11 Nov 2018
SPICE Arena, Penang.
I am honoured to be invited to join you this evening for the 40th anniversary celebration of Hunza and to be given the opportunity to say a few words. Today, Hunza has risen to the challenge and achieved another significant milestone. My heartiest congratulations go out to Hunza, especially the founder, Dato’ Seri Khor Teng Tong for this remarkable achievement. I hope Hunza will continue to be one of the nation’s leading players in this industry.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Penang’s economy has shifted from industrialization to manufacturing, and now we are moving fast to another level of success in the service industry. Penang’s economy has turned around; especially in our two mainstays of manufacturing and services that contributes more than 95% of our GDP. Penang needs to be not only efficiency-driven, but also innovation-driven in the service sector. Only through innovation can a state be more skilled, progressive and drive value added products. Penang is already the main contributor to the medical tourism of Malaysia. We attract 66% of the whole nation’s income in this sector and we should be proud that foreigners are coming here to be treated by our medical experts.
As we envision Penang2030, a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation, we are continually bringing new ideas forward, with the intent to deliver breakthrough services and solutions that create value for the people. We consider every view and idea from various segments of the society and individuals with the objective to make Penang a more livable and sustainable city. I hope Hunza would play its role in this vision.
One of the forthcoming flagship project of Hunza, PICC will not only inject new breath of life to the state but alsowill transform it into a green and smart city; in line with making it a new and exceptional landmark for the state.
The state certainly hopes that this will not only be a refreshing and outstanding landmark for Penang but will be a catalyst for growth in this part of the island.
The excellent development concept of green, safe, smart and better connectivity of PICC will be a convergence of work, live and play, especially the thousands of job opportunities it will provide and the foreign investment that it will bring in.
Over the past few years, I have witnessed Hunza's progress, from building properties to holding investment properties. Their achievement is remarkable. St. Jo’s of Gurney Paragon won the Silver Award in FIABCI World Prix d’ Excellent Award; Alila 2 winning the Asia Pacific Property Award Development; I think, these have certainly been some of the proudest achievements of Dato’ Seri Khor and the team. I am confident that Penang will see more of these milestone achievements from Hunza, making us proud as Penangites, and making the nation proud as well.
Before I end, I sincerely thank Hunza for having me in their celebration tonight and wish all at Hunza, a joyous anniversary celebration and every success in all your future endeavors!
Thank you.