A-PARK BATU KAWAN SALES GALLERY OPENING CEREMONY
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
A-PARK BATU KAWAN SALES GALLERY
OPENING CEREMONY
9TH MARCH 2024
YB. Jason H’ng Mooi Lye
Penang State EXCO for Local Government and Town & Country Planning
YBrs. Mr. Rizatuddin Ramli
Director of Investment Division, NCER
YBhg. Dato Low Boon An
Managing Director of Ancubic Group of Companies
YBhg. Datin Kimilee You
Executive Director of Ancubic Group of Companies
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
I extend my warmest greetings to each of you on this momentous occasion as we gather to celebrate the commencement of the A-Park @ Batu Kawan by Ancubic Group.
As we stand here today, we are witnessing the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and visionary leadership. The A-Park @ Batu Kawan represents not only a physical space but also a symbol of our collective commitment to progress, innovation, and sustainable development particularly here in Batu Kawan.
Well, Batu Kawan's journey has been one marked by resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. It is a journey that reflects the spirit of Penang's economic vitality and cultural richness - a testament to our ability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
Taking a moment to reflect on Penang's overall economic landscape, we cannot help but be inspired by the remarkable achievements that have propelled our state to the forefront of the nation's development. In 2022, our GDP soared to an impressive RM112 billion, while our total exports reached an unprecedented RM463 billion, constituting 30% of the nation's external trade.
The momentum of progress continued into year 2023, with Penang attracting a remarkable total approved investment of RM71.9 billion across various sectors. This represents 21.8% of the nation’s total approved investment at RM329.5 billion, reinforcing Penang's leading role as the nation’s economic powerhouse. Notably, Penang also remained Malaysia's top exporter, representing 28.2% of total exports in January 2024. These achievements speak volumes about our state's resilience and adaptability.
As we navigate towards the future, it becomes imperative to recognize the challenges that lie ahead. In this context, strategic policies and infrastructure development play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth. The ongoing initiatives, including the Penang Transport Master Plan, Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit, and Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway projects, exemplify our dedication to improving connectivity and promoting inclusive development within the state.
On that note, I am particularly pleased to welcome the announcement made by our transport minister and extend my gratitude to the Federal Government, for their approval of the Penang International Airport’s (PIA) expansion plan. This expansion project valued at over RM1 billion, will not only increase the airport's capacity but also further elevate Penang's position as a key hub for trade, tourism, and investment in the region.
I must also express my sincere appreciation for the invaluable support and guidance extended by our esteemed Prime Minister, whose presence at the unveiling of Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP 3) last month reaffirmed the significance of Penang's contributions to the nation's economic prosperity. Batu Kawan is recognized as one of the promoted sectors in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), outlining initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and an improved quality of life for residents in Penang and the northern region.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Accordingly, as we gather here today, we herald not just the inauguration of a new development but the dawn of a new era - one defined by innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. The A-Park @ Batu Kawan is a testament to our shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future - a future where economic prosperity coexists harmoniously with environmental stewardship and social equity.
Designed as a holistic ecosystem, A-Park integrates various elements to create a vibrant and dynamic community where people can live, work, and thrive. Occupying 20 acres of land, this development offers 50 units of Light Industrial Factory, providing a cohesive industrial ecosystem where companies can co-locate and gain synergies with their customers and suppliers.
I must say, as we embark on this transformative journey, I am filled with optimism and hope for the future. The A-Park @ Batu Kawan represents not only a new chapter in Batu Kawan's history but also a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.
With that, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Ancubic Group and all stakeholders involved in bringing this project to fruition. Together, let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, harnessing the power of collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth to transform our shared aspirations into tangible achievements that uplift the lives of our people, as outlined in the Penang2030 vision.
尊敬的各位来宾、社会各界人士、媒体朋友
大家下午好。很高兴受邀与大家一同见证ANCUBIC GROUP在峇都加湾的全新项目。
槟州过去50年在工业生产领域的杰出表现，巩固了槟州工业稳健(wen3 jian4)的发展走向，也被视为我国工业翘楚(qiao4 chu3)。而槟州政府在工业领域发展，也给予最大的支持。尽管槟岛工业地已达到饱和，但威省仍(reng1)有不少地段正等待发展。
我常说，槟州的未来在威省，槟州发展机构(PDC)在近几年来也发掘更多潜在(qian3 zai4)地点，延续峇六拜工业区的辉煌，其中就包括了峇都加湾，而峇都加湾也是2030年新工业总体规划（NIMP 2030）其中一个发展重点领域。上个月，我国首相也为峇都加湾第3工业园主持动土礼，为槟州开启更多潜力，继续成为首选投资目的地。
虽然前几年我们面对了新冠肺炎疫情，全球经济不稳定的种种打击，然而槟州的投资及经济发展成绩并不受影响，反而屡(lv3)创新高。根据最新数据，槟州2023年所批准的投资额高达719亿令吉，第二次成为全国冠军。
另外，交通部长也表示，内阁已批准扩建槟州机场的计划，并且有望在今年展开。这是槟州大型基础设施的重点提升项目之一，相信随着槟州各项大型基础设施的提升，将有利于我们未来吸引更多高质外资。
近年来，我们更加密切地吸引了外国投资，尤其是在先进和高科技产业，以创造更多就业机会，并将槟城打造成为该地区的高科技工业基地。而随着峇都加湾第3工业园的发展，也印证(yin4 zheng4)了槟城工业延续了过去50年的辉煌，并前往更高的成就迈进。
今天，A-Park 的开幕也为峇都加湾历史写下了新篇章(pian1 zhang1)，并象征着我们对创新、社区赋权(fu4 quan2)和环境保护的坚定承诺。这项目也符合 2030年新工业总体规划（NIMP 2030）的原则，旨(zhi3)在促进可持续发展、经济增长和改善该地区居民生活质量的举措(jv3 cuo4)、项目和政策。
我衷心祝贺ANCUBIC GROUP和所有为实现这一卓越项目而努力的每一个单位，让我们携手努力，让这项目成为峇都加湾希望和繁荣的象征。
最后，祝福大家一切顺利，谢谢。