MICCI PENANG’S 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
MICCI PENANG’S 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY
GALA DINNER
22ND JUNE 2024 | THE LIGHT HOTEL
YB. Lim Guan Eng
Former Chief Minister of Penang cum Member of Parliament for Bagan and State Assemblyman for Air Putih
YB. Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo a/l Somu
Member of the Penang State Executive Council for Housing and Environment
YB. Kulasegaran a/l V. Murugeson
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform
YB. Saraswathi Kandasami
Deputy Minister of National Unity
YB. Senator Dr. Lingeshwaran a/l Dato’ Seri Arunasalam
Member of Parliament (Senator) representing YB Puan Lim Hui Hing, Deputy Minister of Finance Malaysia
YBhg. Dato’ Seri N. Gobalakrishnan
President of the Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
YBhg. Dato’ S Parthiban
President of the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang
Honourable members of the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
Welcome to this historic evening as we gather to celebrate a century of commerce, community, and collaboration. It is my distinct honour to stand before you today, not just as your Chief Minister, but as a fellow advocate for the prosperity and progress that this Chamber has championed for 100 years.
Reflecting on a century of milestones, we see a journey marked by the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship and the collective resolve to overcome challenges. From the industrial revolutions to the digital age, this Chamber has stood as a beacon of innovation, adapting and thriving through the winds of change.
Founded in 1924, the MICCI Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has grown from a small group of enterprising individuals into a formidable institution that has significantly contributed to Penang’s economic fabric. Initially established to address the business needs of the Indian community in Penang, the Chamber has evolved to embrace a diverse membership, fostering inclusivity and collaboration across different sectors and communities.
Tonight, as we revel in the grandeur of this gala dinner, let us remember and applaud the visionaries who laid the foundations of this great institution. To the pioneers who dared to dream big and the trailblazers who turned those dreams into reality, your legacy is the vibrant economic landscape we see today.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The 100th-year anniversary celebrations, this Gala Dinner, the networking night, and the honouring of lifetime achievers are truly impressive. I wish to congratulate MICCI Penang, President Dato’ S. Pathiban, and his entire team, who have worked tirelessly to organize such a remarkable and grand event. We understand that organizing such a mega event takes months of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. I would also like to highlight the 100th Year Anniversary souvenir magazine, which beautifully chronicles the history of the Chamber and its impact on the state.
As we peruse this magazine, we are reminded of the multifaceted contributions of the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Penang’s economy. The Chamber has been instrumental in organizing trade fairs, business delegations, and networking events, creating numerous opportunities for local businesses to expand their reach and establish global connections. Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the Chamber has initiated various training programmes and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of entrepreneurs and employees alike. These efforts have not only improved business efficiency but have also provided better employment opportunities for the local population.
Moreover, the Chamber has been a staunch advocate for corporate social responsibility through various community outreach programs, scholarships, and charitable activities, significantly contributing to the well-being of underprivileged segments of society. By consistently collaborating with government agencies, the Chamber has championed policies that create a conducive business environment, including lobbying for infrastructure improvements, better regulatory frameworks, and incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As we celebrate these achievements tonight, let us also look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. The next century beckons with promises of new frontiers in trade, technology, and sustainability. As your Chief Minister, I pledge to work hand-in-hand with the Chamber to create an environment where businesses can flourish, and our community can prosper.
The Penang State Government is committed to this vision, and it is clearly outlined in the Penang2030 vision. We are encouraging businesses to adopt digital technologies to enhance productivity and expand market reach. Through the Digital Penang initiative, we are investing in digital infrastructure and providing support for digital literacy programs to ensure our workforce is future-ready.
Additionally, we are promoting sustainable business practices that align with global environmental standards, encouraging the adoption of green technologies and renewable energy. Our Green Agenda aims to make Penang a model state for sustainable development, with projects like the Penang Silicon Island development focusing on creating a balanced ecosystem for economic growth and environmental preservation.
Improving our transportation, logistics, and communication infrastructure to facilitate business operations and attract foreign investments remains a priority. Our Penang Transport Master Plan are crucial in this regard, enhancing connectivity and supporting our economic expansion. We are also strengthening our educational institutions and fostering a culture of innovation by collaborating with universities and research centres to create a robust ecosystem for research and development in our efforts to propel Penang to greater heights.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In this centennial year, let us reaffirm our commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. Let us continue to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, innovators, and all who drive our economy forward. Together, I am confident that we will be able write the next chapter of our shared history, filled with achievements that we can only imagine today.
Having said that, we look forward to the next 100 years of the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. May our bonds grow stronger, our businesses soar higher, and our community become an exemplar of economic vitality for the world to see.
Thank you, and let us enjoy this splendid evening, celebrating both our rich past and our bright future.