PENANG INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL 2023
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW,
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT PENANG INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL 2023
- PRESS CONFERENCE
30TH MAY 2023
THE WHITEAWAYS ARCADE, BEACH STREET
YB Yeoh Soon Hin
Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE)
YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen
ADUN Pengkalan Kota
YBhg. Dato' Ir. Rajendran a/l P. Anthony
Datuk Bandar, Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP)
YBhg. Dato’Azhar bin Haji Arshad
Datuk Bandar, Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai (MBSP)
Mr Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang
Director of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Penang Office
Ms. Siti Hajar binti Mohd Yunus
Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Northern Malaysia
Mr. Ooi Chok Yan
Chief Executive Officer of Penang Global Tourism (PGT)
Board of Directors of Penang Global Tourism (PGT)
Fellow agencies & sponsors
Distinguished guests
Member of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
Good afternoon.
Welcome and thank you all for joining us today at this press conference, where we gather to discuss and unveil the highly anticipated Penang International Food Festival 2023, or fondly known as, PIFF 2023.
Penang, as we know, is a true gem in the realm of global travel destinations and has garnered widespread acclaim over the years. Accordingly, our thriving services sector, with tourism at its core, stands tall as a crucial pillar of our economy, contributing significantly with an impressive 47.4% to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021.
Looking towards the future, Penang remains steadfast in capitalizing on the strengths of its services sector, alongside manufacturing and the digital economy, with a resolute aim of achieving an ambitious GDP growth rate of 5.4% by the year 2025.
In line with our commitment, the State Government will continue to position Penang as an exciting destination by showcasing and promoting our unique and diverse offerings through large-scale festivals like PIFF. As such, I am glad to announce that this year, from 3rd to 25th June, the festival will make a return to tantalize visitors with our multi-ethnic food heritage and a wide array of international cuisines available across the state.
Aligned with the Penang2030 and LovePENANG initiative, PIFF 2023 ensures that all main events and mini festivals embrace both areas of the island and Seberang Perai, to promote inclusivity while contributing to the local economy. For the very first time, the festival will expand its reach to new areas and settings, including Bertam and Penanti in Seberang Perai, as well as Farlim and Batu Maung on the island.
Hence, while savouring Penang's best-tasting offerings, I encourage all of you to also explore the nearby places of interest to maximise your time at the Festival. This includes attractions like the Masjid Abdullah Fahim, the British-Siamese Boundary Stone and the Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest. Additionally, there are other discoveries to be made, such as murals in Farlim, the War Museum and Snake Temple in Batu Maung, and the Penang International Container Art Festival’s container art in Batu Kawan. Be sure to allocate time for these great attractions.
Ladies and gentlemen,
To remain our competitive edge, it is crucial that we continue to reinvent and infuse creativity to the tourism sector by developing new products, experiences, or venues. Thus, alongside introducing new venues, I commend PIFF 2023 for embracing the spirit of the times by introducing all-new main events like Bertam Tasty Trails, Gourmet Stars of Penang, and Penang Food Festival, as well as, a slew of rebranded mini festivals, namely Wonderfood, Malam BBQ @ Penanti, Rasa2Rahmah, Santai Under The Sky, and Seafeast.
Moreover, I am delighted to announce that festival-goers will have the opportunity to win exciting lucky draw prizes through the PIFF Foodie Exploration Online Passport. This initiative aims to promote Michelin Guide-listed eateries as well as other delightful cafes and restaurants. To participate, simply scan the QR code displayed on the participating outlets' social media, websites, or posters, enter your details, and upload three receipts from different participating outlets. Winners will be announced during the PIFF finale event.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In our unwavering commitment to drive our economy forward, let us not forget that the true essence of our Penang2030 endeavour of 'A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, lies in the unity, well-being, and happiness of our people.
Therefore, I implore each and every one of you to seize this remarkable opportunity to strengthen familial bonds, foster new friendships, and forge meaningful connections at the Festival. Together, let us stand as a unified family and proudly showcase our profound love and pride for Penang's extraordinary culinary heritage.
Before I conclude, allow me to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our sponsors - AirAsia Ride, our official e-hailing partner; GrabFood, our official food delivery partner; Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH), Pensonic, and Rapid Penang, the festival's official supporting partners; and TikTok Malaysia, our official media partner - for their unwavering support and generosity in achieving our shared vision.
Thank you, and let us make this Festival a great success.