THE THIRD BEST THEME PARK IN ASIA BY TRIPADVISOR AWARD CEREMONY
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW, CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT ESCAPE PENANG - THE THIRD BEST THEME PARK IN ASIA BY TRIPADVISOR AWARD CEREMONY
31ST MAY 2023
ESCAPE PENANG
YB Profesor Dr. Ramasamy a/l Palanisamy
Deputy Chief Minister (II) of Penang
YB Yeoh Soon Hin
Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE)
Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng
Founder and Executive Chairman, Sim Leisure Group Ltd
Philip Whittaker
CEO of Sim Leisure Group Ltd
Datin Silviya Georgieva
Executive Director, Sim Leisure Group Ltd
Tony Goh
President of Malaysian Association of Hoteliers Penang Chapter
Jonathan Freddy P. Bahang
Director MOTAC Pulau Pinang
Distinguished guests
Member of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
Good evening.
I extend my warmest greetings to all present on this auspicious occasion as we gather here to celebrate the exceptional achievement of ESCAPE Penang and the elevated stature of our beloved state.
With each visit, Escape never ceases to amaze me with its endless stream of innovative ideas that not only surpass expectations but also establish world records. For instance, it offers unique experiences like skiing, an adventure previously exclusive to cold countries but now accessible right here in Penang. This remarkable feat is just one of the many aspects that set ESCAPE apart from others.
Moreover, ESCAPE holds the distinction of being the only theme park in the world with two Guinness World Records, one for their Tube Water Slide and the other for their Zip Coaster. These incredible attractions boast lengths of 1.1 kilometers and 1.135 kilometers respectively. Nowhere else can one enjoy a water slide lasting over four minutes or a Zip Coaster journey exceeding six minutes.
Today, I must admit, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride and excitement as we add yet another regional and international accomplishment to our list.
Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce that our very own outdoor adventure park, ESCAPE Penang, has been bestowed with the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2022 award for the Best of the Best 'Amusement Parks & Waterparks' in all of Asia.
This remarkable recognition places ESCAPE Penang among the top three attractions in Asia, surpassing renowned parks in Japan, Korea, Dubai, and Singapore.
This accolade not only signifies the exceptional quality of ESCAPE Penang but also highlights the extraordinary potential of our beloved state as a world-class tourist destination.
I would like to seize this moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our fellow Penangite, Dato' Sim, and his accomplished team at ESCAPE Penang for achieving this significant milestone.
This recognition is a testament to their tireless efforts, unwavering passion, and, above all, their ingenuity in creating numerous world-class attractions and rides right here in Penang.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment, let us acknowledge the profound impact ESCAPE Penang has had on our local economy. By offering unique rides and unparalleled experiences amidst the embrace of nature, ESCAPE Penang has elevated our state's position as a highly sought-after destination.
The influx of tourists, both domestic and international, has invigorated our local businesses, created employment opportunities, and stimulated the growth of ancillary industries. It is evident that ESCAPE Penang has emerged as a vital catalyst for economic progress, particularly in our tourism sector.
With today's recognition as one of the top theme parks in Asia, I am confident that ESCAPE Penang will further enhance our state's presence on the global stage, fostering prosperity and enriching the quality of life for our people.
In light of this, it is imperative that we continue to support and nurture the growth of ESCAPE Penang, along with other local tourism ventures. By fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can cultivate an even more vibrant and diverse tourism landscape that ensures Penang remains at the forefront of the global travel industry.
Furthermore, let us recognize the pivotal roles each and every one of us plays in our state's journey toward becoming a premier tourist destination. It is through our collective efforts, unwavering passion, and steadfast commitment that we can shape a brighter future for Penang.
On that note, I once again convey my sincerest congratulations to ESCAPE Penang on this well-deserved recognition. May this milestone serve as a steppingstone to even greater heights, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps and showcasing the very best of Penang to the world, in alignment with the state's Penang2030 vision of 'A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.'
With that, thank you, and may ESCAPE Penang continue to flourish and bring joy to all who visit our beautiful state.
Thank you.