EXPERIENCE PENANG: 'CHAP GOH MEH WITH A BANG'
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
EXPERIENCE PENANG:
'CHAP GOH MEH WITH A BANG'
5TH FEBRUARY 2023
A very good evening to all of you.
It is with great pleasure I welcome each and every one of you here this evening for the Penang Chap Goh Meh 2023 celebration.
Chap Goh Meh, also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day, marks the 15th and final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. This joyous occasion also welcomes the arrival of spring and symbolizes new beginnings and growth.
Is a time to reflect on the past, to give appreciation for the blessings we have received, and to look forward to the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead. It is also a time to strengthen our bonds with family and friends, and to enjoy the company of our loved ones.
Accordingly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, for organizing and providing us with the opportunity to gather for today’s Experience Penang: 'Chap Goh Meh With A Bang' celebration.
The celebration will offer plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, including food stalls, interactive cultural booths, and a breath-taking fireworks display. In keeping with the traditional Chap Goh Mei mandarin-tossing ritual, a special area has also been designated for the event, surrounded by nets and boats to ensure a clean and sustainable celebration.
The Penang State Government is anticipating a turnout of approximately 50,000 people to join us in this year’s celebration. But nevertheless, with such interesting activities that is in store, as well as the participation of 988 FM radio hosts, the new rising artists, Layla, and Shila Amzah's finale performance tonight, I am optimistic that we will be able to attract more than 80,000 people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we gather here on this exciting evening, let us also take this opportunity to appreciate the rich culture and heritage passed down from generation to generation. Let us cherish the spirit of unity and friendship as we welcome a year filled with happiness, prosperity and health.
Malaysia has come a long way since its independence 66 years ago, and today our nation is a place where multicultural communities coexist in peace, respect, and mutual understanding. This is evident by the fact that we are currently celebrating both Chap Goh Mei and Thaipusam. Our differences are what make us unique, and this is especially true in Penang, where Eastern and Western influences blend to form a cultural melting pot.
Retaining many of the values brought from different mainsprings, Penang has also successfully established its very own identity on the global stage having named as the ‘3rd Best Islands in the World to Retire On’ by International Living in 2021, and it is among the ‘List of the World’s Best Destinations to Travel to in 2022’ by CNN, among others.
Our togetherness is what gives Penangites their pride, and makes cultural events and festivities celebrated by people from all walks of life so special. Hence, regardless of the racial composition of the people, the Penang State Government will continue to create a more inclusive and healthier economy to build ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that will Inspire the Nation’ as we strive for greater heights.
Undeniably, there are still many gaps for us to fill but I am confident that Penang, will continue to be highlighted as a success story and the next big opportunity for investment and innovation in the years ahead.
That being said, let us now celebrate Chap Goh Meh with laughter, delicious food, and the company of our loved ones. May the year ahead be filled with lots of blessings and happiness for us all.
Wishing everyone a pleasant evening. Thank you.