QUEENS WATERFRONT SPORTS COMPLEX GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW

THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

QUEENS WATERFRONT SPORTS COMPLEX GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

18 SEPTEMBER 2022 (SUNDAY)

Distinguished Guests,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

A very good morning to all.

It is a great pleasure for me to be here today to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony of the Queens Waterfront Sports Complex.

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ideal Gim Venture Sdn Bhd, the developer of this sports complex, for their efforts in establishing this fundamental infrastructure. Which, I am confident, will play an expanding role in Penang’s urban development.

The Queens Waterfront Sports Complex will span a total development area of 9.94 acres. The sports landscape boasts an open field; an outdoor beach volleyball court; a single-storey sports arena which is laid with basketball, karate, wushu and judo courts; a three-storey FINA standard aquatic centre that consists of an Olympic-size swimming pool, a competitive diving pool and a warmup pool; as well as a three-storey car park building. The sports facility is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the decades, sports have evolved into a universal language that has brought people together. In recent years, sports infrastructure has played a growing role in boosting the economies of developed countries. The establishment of the Queens Waterfront Sports Complex within the neighbourhood of Bayan Lepas will aim towards a similar goal, demonstrating that Penang has what it takes to level up and move forward to cater for a more robust economic development.

Once completed, the sports complex will offer multiple benefits to the local community while also stimulating the socio-economic development of the state. This complex's athletic facilities make it an ideal location to grow and develop local young talents into future athletes who will represent Penang at the international level. Additionally, this world-class facility is also poised to host inter-state and international sporting events, which will undoubtedly boost our local tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In keeping with the state’s Penang2030 strategic initiative of diversifying recreation, sports, arts, and culture, the Penang State Government has also taken specific measures to enhance sports facilities in the state.

This year, RM1.6 million was allocated for new construction, upgrading, and renovating sports facilities across the state. Meanwhile, the RM3.5 million Permatang Rawa Mini Football Stadium was completed in 2021, and the RM8.8 million Nibong Tebal Arena is now under construction, with nine badminton court facilities along with other facilities set to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

It is hoped that through such efforts by the State Government, coupled with the support from the private sector, we are able to continue to fuel the sporting spirit among all Penangites for the sake of our beloved state and country.

Having that mentioned, on behalf of the Penang State Government, I would like to thank Ideal Gim Venture Sdn Bhd once again, and we look forward to the completion of the Queens Waterfront Sports Complex.

Thank You.

Pejabat Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Tingkat 28, KOMTAR, 10502, George Town, Pulau Pinang