THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PENANG BAY INTERNATIONAL IDEAS COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

FOR THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PENANG BAY INTERNATIONAL

 IDEAS COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

 

9 MARCH 2021

 

 

 

I am happy to announce that the Penang Bay International Ideas Competition has come to a successful conclusion, and today, we are finally announcing the winners.

The entire process of the competition, which spanned a 6-month period beginning on 15 August 2020, is a step forward for Penang and has great significance for the future of Penang Bay and the entire state. The ultimate vision for Penang Bay is to transform the George Town and Butterworth waterfronts into an SDG-Compliant Zone powered by the green, digital and creative industries.

It is our aim to have Penang Bay listed as an SDG City Zone to unlock opportunities and scale up the initiative. It would be the first in Malaysia and an opportunity to transform the urbanization process for Penang to a more sustainable manner. The ideas competition has given the state much to think about while moving forward, as we crystalize the development plan for the Penang Bay zone.

The successful transformation of Penang Bay will be an important catalyst for the state, in line with our goals for Penang2030 in shaping Penang to be a family-focused, green and smart state that will inspire the nation.

With the wealth of innovative ideas we have received through the competition, and with the interest and dedication shown by our partners, the private sector and the community, I am confident we will achieve our goals of creating a new SDG City which will be crucial for our economic recovery, and perhaps inspire other SDG Cities in Malaysia and beyond.

From my understanding, as many as 79 entries were received from 20 countries around the world and half of the submissions came from international participants which is truly remarkable as this highlights the global interest towards what is taking place in Penang.

I must also commend the tireless efforts of the seven-member jury who did the best with their professionalism and expertise while evaluating the entries in terms of clarity of ideas, originality and innovation of ideas, economic potential of the proposals and consideration of relevant SDGs.

 

They comprised two officials of the Penang state government, one each from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, UN Habitat, Global Development Incubator and the Malaysian Institute of Planners and an independent landscape architect.    

More importantly, the whole idea is also about doing our part as the current generation of Penangites to benefit the next. This is to enable our children and their children to inherit a Penang which is future proof when it comes to long-term sustainability.

Having said this, the state government is pleased to have in place the measures of preparing Penang to be in the good hands of the next generation of Penangites to chart her future course beyond 2030.

 

Hence, I offer my heartiest congratulations not just to all the winners and finalists, but also to every single individual or team who submitted an entry to the Penang Bay International Ideas Competition.

On behalf of GTCDC and CMI, I would like to extend my appreciation to all our partners:  MBPP, MBSP, Think City as well as all the organisations represented on our technical committee and international jury panel, and all the individuals who have contributed towards making this competition a success.

Thank you.