RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOP: JOURNEY TO NET ZERO EMISSION
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE HONOURABLE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOP:
JOURNEY TO NET ZERO EMISSION
Ascott Gurney Penang
Saturday, 26th March 2022
YB. Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim
Penang State EXCO for Trade and Industry and Entrepreneurial Development
Mr. Moktar Idham Bin Musa
Deputy Director of Energy, Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department
Mr. Zamali Bin Zamin
Deputy Director of Industry Operations, Malaysian Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)
Mr. Ts.( Professional technologist) Hazril Izan Bahari
Director of Digital Services, Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia
Mr. Adlan Ahmad
Head of Hydrogen Business, Petronas
Ms. Ng Lan Kheng
Executive Director of Deloitte
CEOs of Penang Development Corporation and Tadau Energy Ventures,
Members of the Authority,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good afternoon and Salam Sejahtera.
It brings me great pleasure to be here today to officiate today’s workshop, which is organised by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Tadau Energy Ventures to impel Penang further in its Journey to Net Zero Emission. I would like to thank each one of you for your dedication and time on this Saturday afternoon, your meaningful presence shows that we are one step closer to a brighter and more sustainable future for Penang.
In keeping with the Penang Green Agenda 2030 and the Penang2030 vision of achieving “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation”, this Renewable Energy Workshop could not have come at a more opportune time - with various topics revolving around achieving carbon neutral state and/or nation. These are distinct key elements for Penangites to develop a future-proof community in order to meet and adapt to forthcoming environmental challenges.
As we are aware, Penang is regarded as the Silicon Valley of the East for its industries, which is home to more than 300 MNCs and over 3,000 supporting SMEs. According to MIDA, Penang is ranked first in Malaysia Investment Performance 2021 and, in January 2022, we recorded the highest exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products worth RM26.2 billion.
Undoubtedly, Penang is Malaysia’s most vital economic powerhouses, and in order to maintain our status as a thriving global economic hub, there is a need for us to evolve from being just an international city to becoming a ‘green’ international city. This will assist Penang in maintaining its competitive edge in the industrial sector and further increase Penang’s attractiveness to high quality investors seeking a place to live, work and play.
To be labelled as a green city, economic growth needs to be well rounded and resilient, capable of promoting net zero carbon emission growth while managing its natural resources and ensuring the livelihood of its citizen. In order to achieve that, one of the most important tools is a Green Economy. By transitioning to a Green Economy, Penang will also increase its resilience against risks caused by future uncertainties including natural disasters and economic disruption.
There are several pathways towards a Green Economy, one of it being Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which forms the basis of today’s workshop topic. Adoption of sustainable renewable energy is the right path to realising Penang's ideals through advancement in economic and environmental objectives. In furtherance, renewable energy has always been a key component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and race towards zero emission. Recognising this, Penang is keen to capitalise on its abundant sunlight, rooftops, and shoreline in order to enhance the use of renewable energy.
That being said, today’s workshop is a terrific initiative by PDC and Tadau Energy to elevate Penang to greater heights by providing a platform for Industrial Players to embrace the transition to a green economy and begin the journey toward a net zero carbon emission society.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I strongly believe that all regulators and authorities must work together to determine the country’s carbon-zero future – consideration must be given to the roadmap's social, financial, and technological impact, so that the industry or corporate players in Penang can fully capitalise on the opportunities available. If the private sector is to play a role in achieving the country's long-term development goals, policies must be clear and acceptable.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and so is Penang. A successful transition to a green economy will necessitate the collaboration of governments, businesses, and industry leaders. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, however, that has not deterred us from growing and moving forward, being bolder and more confident in the road we have chosen for ourselves. In the same vein, I implore you to join forces and work together to ensure a cleaner and greener future.
Thank you and enjoy the Workshop.