SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF POKEMON CARNIVAL AT 1^st AVENUE PENANG

8 May 2022   

 

YB Teh Lai Heng

Penang State Assemblyman for Komtar

 

Mr Khoo Boo Wooi

CEO of Tech Dome

Mr Harry Chai

Director of Majlis Sukan Negeri Pulau Pinang

Dr Gwee Sai Ling

General Manager of Penang Youth Development Cooperation

Mr Samuel

Marketing Director of Howei Events

Mr CC Yeap

General Manager of 1st Avenue Penang

Mr Jacob

Head of Sub Section (Sales) DIGI , Northern Region, Penang

Mr Sideek

President of Penang Death Association

Distinguished guests

Good afternoon, everyone.

Thank you for being here to witness the first of its kind in Penang - a new type of hybrid e-sports tournament, and a festival of all things Pokémon.

The purpose of this event is more than just about beloved Pokémon characters - it is about giving the people of Penang what they have been yearning for: social activities and fun events.

 

For the past 2 years, we have been isolated from each other. We are gathered here today to witness the rebirth of hobby and entertainment events across Penang and Malaysia.

We live in an age where we have instant access to things at our fingertips, to a virtual world of games and entertainment on our phones and computers. We live in a  digital age, with its trappings – real or unreal – but equally intriguing to the human mind.

And yet despite all our technology, the virtual world cannot fully replace the simple human experience, the human connection with one another, the much sought after gathering in one place to share our common love for something.

And so, I am here today to celebrate with all of you the simple pleasure of enjoying a hobby or game such as Pokémon Unite with friends and loved ones, cartoon animals that have united us and brought joy to millions of people around the world.

It is my sincere hope that through hybrid events like these where players can play and compete physically in person, as well as virtually from other parts of Malaysia, we can help to connect and understand each other, and also encourage each other to embrace technology and advance as a nation.

While Pokémon may be fictional and, at the same time, e-sports may be purely virtual on your phone, the inspiration it stirs in us is very real. Through these activities and games, you learn  and develop real world skills. Things like design, strategy, hand-eye coordination, and communication skills. You bond with your fellow team mates, your friends and your fellow Malaysians.

At the end of the day, what truly matters are the camaraderie spirit you form with one another and the soft skills (such as stress management, problem-solving and critical thinking) you gained through your interaction with others who share your interests. And this brings to mind the formation of the Penang Youth Committee which I launched a week ago on 30^th April.

The Penang State Government is keen for our youth to have a decisive say and to take a leading role in managing your affairs. As such, we have set up Penang Youth Committees in all the 40 constituencies across the state with the appointment of a pioneer batch of 400 young men and women who will run the show and manage their respective youth committees for the period from May 1^st this year until 31^st December 2023.   

The whole idea is for our youth to discover your hidden talents, leadership qualities, enhance your level of competitiveness and competency and above all, to enable you to be of service to others in your local communities. Not unlike the skills you will all gain from e-sports, your involvement in community affairs and especially in matters that directly concern you as well as others in your “age-bracket”, will be a determining factor in the direction where the state or the nation is heading.      

So together, let us re-ignite our great state of Penang and our beloved nation Malaysia, one fun event at a time. Let us continue to unite together to have fun and cherish each moment we have. The task of nation-building and the future of our country rest squarely on the shoulders of our youth, many of whom are gathered here for today’s e-sports tournament. And lest we forget, nation-building like e-sports, can be so much fun!

Thank you.