THE 30TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE OBSTETRICAL AND GYNAECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG, YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
AT THE 30TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE OBSTETRICAL AND GYNAECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA
21ST JULY 2023
SPICE CONVENTION CENTRE
Good evening.
I am delighted to be here today at the opening ceremony of the 30th International Congress of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia. Your decision to hold this prestigious event in Penang is truly an honour, and I extend my warmest welcome to each one of you.
As we gather here, I am reminded of the Government’s Health White Paper which envisions Malaysia to be a healthy nation with equitable, resilient, open, and innovative healthcare system that is valued by the people. The Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia, being our country's largest obstetric and gynaecological society with over 1500 members, plays a critical role in making this vision a reality.
Accordingly, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the society's members. As some of the most distinguished personalities and key decision-makers in your field, your commitment to promoting and shaping the direction of women's health services is truly commendable, not just for Penang but for our entire nation.
I also want to congratulate OGSM on its remarkable achievements in advancing scientific development and providing advocacy for women's health, both nationally and internationally. Your ongoing efforts to improve women's health through various projects and initiatives as part of the society's social responsibility are truly praiseworthy.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In Penang, we share your commitment to prioritizing women's health and well-being. We firmly believe that a healthy population is the cornerstone of a thriving society, and addressing women's health needs is integral to achieving this goal. Our approach goes beyond just physical well-being, as we strive to empower women in every aspect of their lives, so they can take charge of their health and lead fulfilling lives.
To this end, the State Government has launched various initiatives and programmes to provide essential healthcare services, raise public awareness, and empower women from all walks of life. We understand the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, and our focus is on creating an inclusive society where every woman's voice is heard and valued.
The Penang Women's Development Corporation (PWDC) has been instrumental in implementing the "Gender Inclusiveness Policy and Safe Family Policy," alongside other various women's empowerment programmes which aims to bridge economic, political, and health disparities. Programs like the Women's Conference, Penang Women Entrepreneur Mentoring Programme, and Wanita Jana Rezeki are just a few examples of our commitment to women's well-being. In support of these efforts, the State Government has allocated a budget of RM2.50 million for the year 2023.
In our commitment of creating safe spaces for families, Penang has taken significant strides in providing support and combating domestic violence. We now have a total of 245 First Support Point Officers stationed across 50 locations, including People's Representative Service Centres, District and Land Offices, Non-Government Bodies, and houses of worship. Additionally, workshops have been conducted for 102 participants from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to enhance their skills in handling cases of domestic violence.
Moreover, the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) in all 40 KADUNs has successfully undertaken 344 projects from January to July 2023, focusing on the economy, family affairs, and human rights, all aligned with the Penang2030 Vision. Our aim is to encourage more women to volunteer and actively participate in these projects, and we are proud to welcome 1077 female volunteers known as RELANITA members. To further support JPWK's invaluable contributions, the State Government has allocated RM1.76 million for allowance payments and programme implementation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite these accomplishments, we are aware that challenges remain, and it is critical that we recognize that our journey towards empowering women and ensuring their well-being is far from over. That is why, efforts like today is of utmost significance, as it offers a platform for experts, practitioners, and academicians to come together, collaborate, and create groundbreaking advancements.
As a result, I urge each of you to embrace this opportunity to network, share knowledge, and ignite the spark of inspiration that will drive progress in women's health. I am confident that, your collective efforts, coupled with our state's unwavering commitment, will undoubtedly lead to a healthier and more equitable future for women in Penang, Malaysia and beyond.
With that said, I am honoured to declare the 30th International Congress of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia officially open. I wish you all a fruitful and successful congress, where innovation and collaboration thrive, and the seeds of progress are sown to create a brighter future for all women.
Thank you.