THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 10TH PENANG INTERNATIONAL HALAL EXPO AND CONFERENCE (PIHEC)
SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 10TH PENANG INTERNATIONAL HALAL EXPO AND CONFERENCE (PIHEC)
1 MARCH 2019
SPICE CONVENTION CENTRE
YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim Bin Haji Hussain
State EXCO for International & Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneur Development
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
A very good morning to all of you here today, and welcome to the 10th Penang International Halal Expo and Conference (PIHEC). I am sure that you are as thrilled as I am to be part of this historical event. The event organiser PIHH Development Sdn Bhd, led by Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, has chosen the theme ‘Digitalisation and the Halal Industry’ this year.
PIHEC represents the living testimony of Penang’s hope to become one of the premier halal destinations of the region. The halal industry in the state is rapidly growing, and more businesses are jumping on the bandwagon to tap the promising halal market.
I foresee that the halal industry can become a strong economic enhancer for the state by taking advantage of the opportunities and overcoming the challenges posed by globalization.
Almost a decade has passed since the first Penang International Halal Expo and Conference (PIHEC) in 2010. Back then, the number of halal certified establishments in Penang was only 55. As of November 2018, a total of 1,112 halal certified establishments was recorded!
The industry has truly grown in leaps and bounds! This can be seen in the more than RM480million invested at Phase One of the Penang Halal Industrial Park. The expansion of Phase Two will only enhance the role of the Park in making Penang a Halal Hub.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is the state’s mission to prepare everyone; moving together towards a green and digital economy.
To guide us, the “Penang 2030: A Family-focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation” initiative is our aspiration in building a comprehensive ecosystem. Penang is ready to embrace and adopt smart technology to meet the needs of Industry 4.0.
We must be innovative, imaginative and resolute, but still have an open mind to turn ideas into actions.
To that end, a forum on “The Global Blockchain Halal Industry” will be held in conjunction with the PIHEC this year to specifically look into harnessing blockchain technology to enhance operations in the Halal industry.
I believe this is the first of many steps towards making Penang a powerhouse for digital industries powered by blockchain technology and other technological innovations.
Distinguished guests,
I hope you will take this opportunity to network and learn more about the halal industry; and let us also support the 6th Penang International Halal Chefs Challenge 2019, which is held at the main arena today.
This gastronomic event, held in conjunction with PIHEC 2019, provides a platform for our local talents to showcase their skills in cooking up halal delights. I am sure you will be amazed with their impeccable culinary skills and their eye for detail.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I offer my heartiest congratulations to Datuk Abdul Halim and his team for organising this remarkable expo and conference.
And to the exhibitors, speakers and delegates, I wish you a fruitful and rewarding trade fair!
Thank you.