STAR EDUCATION FAIR 2022
WELCOME ADDRESS BY
YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
STAR EDUCATION FAIR 2022
4 June 2022 | Setia Spice Convention Centre Penang
Ms Lydia Wang
Chief Business Officer of Star Media Group
Distinguished guests,
Esteemed partners-in-education,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning and welcome to the official opening of Star Education Fair 2022.
After more than 30 highly successful years of education shows, I am thrilled to be a part of this year’s installation. I applaud Star Media Group for its longstanding commitment to education, from exposing children to quality educational material at an early age, to publishing a dedicated education segment in The Star. Beyond that, Star Media Group continues to grant opportunities to young Malaysians through the Star Education Fund scholarship awards.
Today’s exhibition is a manifestation of the great effort in creating a comprehensive, one-stop education centre for educational needs. With access to a range of local and international tertiary education programmes offered by some of the best and internationally renowned institutions, our youth are presented with an array of diversified pathways available. This gives them the valuable opportunity to explore and break new boundaries while forging their own path.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The higher education sector is at the forefront of guiding Malaysia’s ambitions to become a high-income nation, and education fairs like these highlight the aspirations set out in the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013–2025.
The state of Penang has embarked on a number of initiatives that will strengthen its position as the Silicon Valley of the East as it celebrates its 50th anniversary of industrialisation. Penang’s position as an economic hub is built on a strong foundation of manufacturing excellence and industrial experience. Just to share, Penang’s business ecosystem consists of over 300 MNCs and more than 3000 SMEs.
The state’s competitive edge lies not only in its top-notch infrastructure, but also in its competitive skilled workforce, which allows us to serve Penangites as well as our neighbouring states, ultimately benefitting the nation's economic health. With the advancement of Industrial Revolution technologies, it is imperative to have the right talent that will drive productivity and innovation.
In order to nurture these talents for the local workforce, the State Government, in line with its Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, is committed to fulfilling its role and responsibility in empowering the youth through education. Right here in Penang, we have a number of world-class tertiary education institutions that continue to attract both local and foreign students.
We have launched a dedicated initiative called StudyPenang and its virtual platform to showcase the multitude of choices available and just why Penang is one of the best places that students can consider as their education destination.
Meanwhile, Penang STEM, aims at providing an avenue for students pursuing their studies and future careers in STEM through the provision of engaging workshops and activities, as well as conducive learning facilities. Beyond that, we have embarked on collaborative efforts with prominent institutions to offer unique and affordable twinning programmes.
After graduation, talents will find their place here as they match the increasing demand for good talents in various industries including multinational corporations, international hotels, world-class hospitals and business processing hubs. It is a holistic ecosystem we are striving to build and nurture here in Penang.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I firmly believe that education is the key to success in life. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. I am convinced that we all recognise the value of higher education and its role in helping the youth fulfil their highest potential.
Accordingly, I am pleased that Star Education Fair encourages partnerships not only between educational institutions but also amongst parents, the private sector and the community at large, in order to support students' learning and deliver a more holistic and dynamic shift in our education system as envisioned by all Malaysians.
Echoing Miss Lydia’s speech earlier, it takes more than academic excellence to make an outstanding character. With our ongoing support and education as a springboard, I hope to see more of today's young talent and future leaders strive to build genuine, more constructive relationships with one another along their life journey.
Having said that, I once again extend my heartiest congratulations to Star Media Group and its partners-in-education. We look forward to Star Education Fair’s continued success and impact and to even more of such activities that will be beneficial to our youth, state and nation.
With that, I hereby officially officiate the opening of Star Education Fair 2022.
Thank you very much.