THE STATE CHINESE ASSOCIATION PENANG
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE 103rd ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE CHINESE ASSOCIATION PENANG
29 November 2023 | 9.00pm
Jen Hotel
YBhg Dato’ Seri Tan Gin Soon,
President of the State Chinese Penang Association
YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Mohd. Yusoff Latiff,
President of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang
Mr. Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang,
Director of Registrar of Societies Penang
Mr. Alan Tan Chee Hoang,
Organizing Chairman
The Organizing Committee Members
All Respective Presidents of the Federation of Peranakan Associations of Indonesia, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, and other states in Malaysia, namely Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan & Terengganu.
Distinguished Guests, Babas and Nyonyas, & Friends of the Media
Good evening, everyone.
It is indeed my honour to be here tonight in celebration of the 103rd Anniversary of the State Chinese Penang Association. I am confident that the Babas and Nyonyas would deem it a far greater privilege for everyone in the Peranakan family to commemorate this meaningful milestone which translates into more than a century of existence that is synonymous with good governance and cooperation triumphing over negative challenges.
From your humble beginnings in 1920, you have transcended boundaries to emerge triumphant and this speaks volumes of how unity and strength garnered from concerted efforts of your members with a common goal in sight. This has led to the SCPA today standing tall and strong in the face of multi-faceted changes in the 21st century and still reaching out to the four corners of society in Penang.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
As the world continues to change, we will also continue to evolve as these changes unfold in ways like never before.
In the face of the many challenges that arise, there is a greater need to stay confident and press ahead against all odds. Your greatest strength comes from cooperation and the most effective way forward is through solidarity among the Babas and Nyonyas not just in Penang but across the globe!
I see a parallel between the state government of Penang and your beloved Association whereby the residents in Penang live and breathe amidst a myriad of diversities yet nonetheless remaining united by firm beliefs and good values in the home and driven by effective leadership at the helm.
The state government launched the Penang2030 Vision in 2018 and the pandemic has indeed provided further motivation for Penang to realise the goals outlined in the Vision. No Penangites regardless of age, social status or race will be left behind in our quest to provide a deserving space for those who have contributed towards the growth and prosperity of Penang.
Moreover, with the RM25 million allocation we received from the federal government, Penang will prioritize programmes for the preservation and management of our UNESCO world heritage site. Among them would be to encourage inner city residents to continue living in the city and to encourage heritage building owners to restore their properties.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
In Penang, the people stay united regardless of their social backgrounds, religious beliefs, diversified cultures and heritage. The Penang2030 Vision transcends social and cultural barriers gearing towards a Family-Focused Green and Smart State come 2030. The state’s remarkable growth is fortified by its economic growth towards the realization of vision Penang2030. Let us all work as a united and harmonious team that will rise to the challenge in shaping the future for the people in Penang.
Once again, congratulations to the State Chinese Penang Association for making it to a centennial and may you continue to thrive in the coming years! Associations do not last 100 years without a multitude of core values like determination, dedication, honest hard work, tolerance, responsibility, passion and I salute the Peranakan fraternity in Penang for making it successfully into the 21st century!
I bid a very warm welcome to the Peranakan fraternity from across the globe and throughout Malaysia who have congregated here in Penang Island to join the State Chinese Penang Association in celebration of its 103rd Anniversary. At the same time, make full use of your stay here in Penang to enjoy, to visit and to pamper yourself with what we have to offer. From sandy beaches to historic sites as well as street food or Michelin Star-awarded eateries, Penang has what it takes to make you unwilling to leave. Have a pleasant stay here in Penang and may you have great memories to bring home with you!
Thank You.