THE PENANG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT REGATTA 2023

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE PENANG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT REGATTA 2023

2 December 2023
Teluk Bahang Dam

YB Wong Hon Wai
State Executive Councillor for Tourism & Creative Economy

H.E. Mr Zhou Youbin
Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China

Ir. Pathmanathan A/L Krishnan Kutty Raman Nair
CEO of Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP)

Our sponsors and participants

Respected guests, Media friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen

Firstly, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our international and diverse teams to the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) 2023. Welcome to Penang!
I would also like to congratulate the organising committee of PIDBR 2023 and its Chairman Saudara Wong Hon Wai and other state representatives for your tremendous efforts in making the PIDBR 2023 a great success. My appreciation also goes to the sponsors who have supported this project. Without your support and dedication, we wouldn't be gathered here today to welcome this exciting festival.

The dragon boat race, stands as one of Penang's dynamic sports event, serving as a platform to promote cross cultural exchange. The Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta provides a unique opportunity for mutual exchange and understanding as it brings together individuals from different countries and cultural backgrounds to share in the passion for dragon boat racing.

This activity is also aligned with the Penang2030 Vision of “A Family-focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation” due to several reasons.

The Teluk Bahang Dam as the venue for this international dragon boat race is perfect because it is an ideal space for family gatherings to enjoy the race as well as to spend quality time together. This is the embodiment of the "Family-focused" aspect of the Vision. Furthermore, the attractive surroundings of the Teluk Bahang Dam, with its lush greenery and clear waters, exemplify the concept of a "Green State".

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I am happy to note that this year's dragon boat race has attracted the participation of a total of 62 teams from 14 countries which is a larger scale compared to last year's event with 42 teams from 7 countries. This highlights the success of the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta and its growing popularity.

Furthermore, this event also serves as an outstanding opportunity to promote Penang's tourism.

Through this platform, we are able to showcase Penang's rich and diverse culture to the world, hence attracting more international tourists to experience the unique attractiveness Penang has to offer and infuse new vitality into our tourism industry.

Participants and spectators will not only witness the excitement of the dragon boat races but also to immerse themselves in the profound cultural heritage of Penang and experience the warm hospitality of its people. This cultural exchange extends beyond the competition venue, enriching the tourism experience for international visitors in every corner of our city.

As a reminder to our foreign friends who are here for the festival, make full use of your stay here to try out our local street food (some even Michelin-starred) and explore Penang by go sight-seeing. You can always ask around or google, and you will know Penang is not only the paradise for food overs but also for those who are interested in culture, heritage or just looking for excitement.

Go visit Penang Hill to enjoy the cool breeze in the morning or its night view of the city, walk along our sandy beaches at Batu Feringghi. The nearby ESCAPE theme park and ENTOPIA by Penang Butterfly Farm offer fun-filled activities which you will soon find yourself reluctant to leave!

In conclusion, let us eagerly anticipate the exhilarating moments that the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2023 will bring and the cherished memories of your stay here!

Thank you.