THE PENANG MASTER BUILDERS’ 145TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
THE PENANG MASTER BUILDERS’
145TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Sept 8, 2022
Yang Berhormat Ahli-Ahli EXCO Negeri Pulau Pinang
Yang Berhormat Ahli-Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Pulau Pinang
YBhg. Dato’ Goh Teng Whoo
President of Penang Master Builders
YBhg. Dato’ Albert Moh
Organising Chairman
YBrs. Mr. Lim Hun Swee
Honorary Life President of Penang Master Builders
YBhg. Dato’ Lim Chee Tong
Immediate Past President of Penang Master Builders
Dato’ Seri Hong Yeam Wah
President of Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening to all of you.
First and foremost, I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation to the Penang Master Builders (PMB), for the invitation to this special occasion. It is indeed my pleasure and honour to join you in celebrating the Penang Master Builders’ 145th anniversary.
As one of the oldest trade associations in Penang, PMB has come a long way in effectively and proactively representing the construction industry. This was especially evident during the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, when countries were compelled to enact the Movement Control Order, resulting in massive economic destabilisation that affected businesses across the globe.
I am sure, many of your members are also socio-economic victims who have experienced massive losses. However, they are fortunate to belong to this association, which has united them in overcoming the various challenges via numerous upskilling and reskilling activities and efforts, such as the upcoming Buildex Exhibition.
In addition to that, PMB’s efforts in promoting the blue ocean strategy among its members, is both appropriate and timely. Capturing ‘blue oceans’ or in other words, unexplored new markets, is a capital idea to stay relevant. This is more so in the Covid-19 aftermath, where many businesses are struggling for survival in the ‘red oceans’ teeming with intense competition.
Apart from that, it is also encouraging to know that the association is striving to refurbish the temple of Master Loo Pan, who is the patron deity of carpenters and builders. These temples, steeped in history, are not only inspiring works of art, but also compelling representations of culture and community. These ideals transcend racial boundaries and instil pride and love in one's heritage.
All in all, I would like to thank all PMB members for their unwavering commitment to the construction sector over the years, and congratulate the organisation on reaching this significant milestone. I hope that more organisations would follow in the footsteps of such commendable efforts and dedication.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would also like this opportunity to emphasize that the Penang State Government is dedicated to doing its part to address issues such as livability, economy, community, and resiliency, by ensuring that developments in the state are appropriately planned and prepared in accordance with the state's Penang2030 vision.
Accordingly, despite numerous challenges, the State Government is making every effort to push ahead with ongoing and planned projects such as the Penang Airport Expansion, Gurney Wharf Project, State Affordable Housing Scheme, Penang South Reclamation (PSR), and the estimated RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
We hope that with such measures to keep the economy vibrant and growing, we will be able to provide new platforms for all Penangites, and in this case, the construction industry, to leverage on, and further propel the state as 'A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.'
With that, on behalf of the State Government, I would like to wish the association every success and we look forward to working closely with you in the construction of Penang’s future over the years to come.
Thank you.