THE PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 42-PENANG
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
FOR THE PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF 42-PENANG
11TH OCTOBER 2023 |UAB BUILDING -THINK CITY
YB Dato’ Haji Rosli Bin Isa
State Secretary of Penang
YB Jagdeep Singh Deo A/L Karpal Singh
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II
YB Zairil Khir Johari
EXCO for Infrastructure, Transport & Digital
YB Puan Zabidah Binti Safar
State Financial Officer of Penang
Ybhg. Ts. Ng Kwang Ming
CEO of Digital Penang
Ybhg. Dato’ Professor Elizabeth Lee
CEO of Sunway Education Group
Ybhg. Encik Bryan Lim Tsin Lin
Executive Director & Head of Dana Impak, Khazanah Nasional Berhad
Media Friends
Ladies & Gentlemen
Good afternoon, everyone.
Today marks a momentous occasion as we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in Penang's journey towards becoming a global technology and innovation hub. This transformative trajectory is deeply embedded in the framework of Penang2030 and is clearly outlined in our Digital Transformation Master Plan.
These visionary roadmaps have served as our guiding compass, directing our efforts to transform Penang into a highly liveable, equitable, and sustainable city. We recognize the imperative of championing technology-driven education to cultivate a workforce that meets the demands of the industry. It is within this context that we proudly inaugurate the latest addition to our tech ecosystem, namely the 42 Penang.
Having had the privilege to visit 42 Paris, I was profoundly impressed by the innovative educational approach adopted. What sets 42 apart is its departure from conventional norms and classroom boundaries, focusing instead on harnessing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of its students.
Today, I am delighted to announce the establishment of 42 Penang, which stands as a pivotal catalyst for social mobility and economic opportunity. This initiative ensures that every individual in the state, regardless of background or prior experience, can acquire essential IT skills.
In Penang, anyone with talent and determination to succeed can thrive in the digital economy.
Graduates of 42 Penang will be highly sought after by employers in Penang and beyond. Given the rapid growth of the tech industry, we currently face a shortage of skilled workers. The graduates of 42 Penang will be well-prepared to seize these opportunities and forge successful careers.
The establishment of 42 Penang is a transformative initiative made possible through the collaboration of The Penang State Government, Digital Penang, Sunway Education Group, and Khazanah Nasional Berhad. This partnership signifies a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to position Penang as a leading digital hub in the nation and Southeast Asia. With 42 Penang, we aspire to create an exceptional learning environment that nurtures innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among our youth.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am proud to announce the substantial commitment of the Penang State Government to 42 Penang. We are dedicating RM 3.25 million over the next three years to ensure the success of this endeavour. This investment underscores our firm belief in the transformative power of education and technology, signalling our unwavering dedication to building a brighter future for all in Penang.
The launch of 42 Penang is a collaborative effort aimed at fostering innovation and ensuring that our local talent pool leads the nation in the ever-evolving realm of technology. We extend an invitation to industry leaders to join us in this initiative by becoming sponsors of 42 Penang. Your investment in education and the future of our workforce will propel us towards the Penang2030 vision of creating a brighter and technologically advanced future for Penang.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all individuals and organizations who have contributed to the realization of 42 Penang.
Together, we are embarking on a journey that will not only shape the future of Penang but also contribute significantly to the broader technological landscape.
As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and ensuring that the fruits of progress are shared equitably. Let us seize this opportunity to inspire the generations to come, cultivating a society where creativity and knowledge thrive.
Thank you.