THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MALAYSIA
SPEECH BY YAB CHOW KON YEOW
CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
 
ON THE OCCASION OF
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
OF MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MALAYSIA
 
30 NOVEMBER 2022
SPICE CONVENTION CENTRE
_____________________________________________
YBhg Dato’ Seri Lee Kah Choon, Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang and Director of Invest Penang
Ms. Thao Tang, Corporate Vice President (Devices), Motorola Solutions Inc
Mr. Chad Werkema, Corporate Vice President (Supply Chain & Procurement), Motorola Solutions Inc
Mr. Solomon Lorthu, Vice President & Managing Director of Penang Operations, Motorola Solutions Malaysia
Management, staff and family members of Motorola Solutions Malaysia
Distinguished guests
Members of the press
Ladies & gentlemen
Good evening.
It is indeed an honour for me to attend and officiate this special dinner to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Motorola Solutions Malaysia. Tonight’s occasion is particularly significant as it is in tandem with the State Government’s year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrialisation.
As we all know, Penang’s transformational journey from being a seaport economy to become the nation’s top location for foreign direct investments started with the inception of the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone in 1972. From that bold step by the 8 Samurais who first invested in Penang’s nascent technology zone five decades ago, and the immeasurable faith of pioneer Electrical & Electronic powerhouses like Motorola Solutions Malaysia who believed in Penang’s potential as an industrial heavyweight, this strategic partnership has been instrumental in growing the Malaysian E&E ecosystem with a strong local presence and established supplier partnerships to achieve a best-in-class supply chain management.
Further, Penang’s reputation as having a robust industrial ecosystem and a state that punches way above its weight is a collective success. In last week’s tabling of the Penang State Budget for year 2023, I’ve had the honour of informing the State Assembly that Penang has recorded a 6.8% growth rate, the highest among the states in Malaysia. Maintaining our leading position in contributing 33.2% of the country’s export value as of September 2022, the E&E sector also contributed the highest export value at RM32.7 billion as of June 2022. With total approved manufacturing investments worth RM7.9 billion for the first half of 2022 and the establishment of new industrial parks, we readily welcome creation of 10,227 employment opportunities.
These figures are a strong testament that the state is on the right track towards prosperity and progress. We have much to look forward to in welcoming a more vibrant economic growth and employment opportunities for Penangites and Malaysians.
Though industry players continue to outpace each other in achieving momentous advances in technology, I am happy to note that Motorola Solutions Malaysia has consistently been in the frontline of this progress. From Motorola Solutions Malaysia’s establishment of its semiconductor operations in Kuala Lumpur in 1972, Penang became your chosen site for manufacturing as well as Research & Development operations. I’m pleased to note that not only has the Penang operations become one of the largest fully integrated sites for Motorola Solutions worldwide, the Penang R&D centre is also supported by a solid base of local Malaysian knowledge workforce over 98% that are working on leading-edge mission critical technologies and boasted many globally recognised technologists. Congratulations!
I also take this opportunity to commend Motorola Solutions Malaysia’s contributions and impact on our society through active participation in promoting STEM learning in schools. Thanks to collaborations with the likes of Penang Science Cluster, Penang STEM, Penang Tech Dome and many others in realising the State’s flagship events and initiatives, Motorola Solutions Malaysia is doing its part in ensuring that the local talent base will continue to be nurtured and grown to meet future industry demands.
The state’s commitment to continuously progress has been the backbone of our ability to not only endure tough times, but to also thrive and prosper. Together, we have all weathered a series of global financial crises, and most recently experienced a major health tragedy that was the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, I remain humbled by the resilient spirit and fortitude shown by everyone here who calls Penang, home. I am confident that just as we have risen from past challenges, this too shall pass as another chapter in Penang’s history. I look forward to us repositioning our strengths to emerge stronger and prepare for the years ahead with that same indomitable spirit that started Penang’s industrial journey decades ago.
Firmly placed as one of the key players in Penang’s economy, Motorola Solutions Malaysia will always hold a special place in the state’s industrial history and legacy. As we look back this evening on what has been an amazing 50-year adventure for both Motorola Solutions Malaysia and Penang, let us also turn our gaze on the many prosperous decades to come, and look forward to achieving more significant milestones for our people and nation. The journey has just started, and here’s to the next 50 years of excellence and beyond!
Thank you.