SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW

THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR PHASE 2 OF PENANG INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL CITY (PICC)

11^TH JUNE 2023

 

A very good afternoon to all of you.

Firstly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Hunza Properties Group for inviting me to be the Guest of Honour for today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase 2 of Penang International Commercial City (PICC).

As I stand before you today, I am reminded of the momentous year 2018, when I was appointed as the Chief Minister of Penang following our 14^th General Election. It was also during that same year, and in close proximity to our present location, that Hunza Properties Group broke the ground for their landmark development - the Penang International Commercial City (PICC).

Back then, I had the privilege of being the Guest of Honour, witnessing that historic event alongside familiar faces. Today, it is surreal to stand here once again, surrounded by the same supportive community after more than four years.

As such, I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dato’ Seri Khor Teng Tong, Dato’ Khor Siang Gin, and the entire team at Hunza Properties Group on the commencement of PICC’s Phase 2 today. Dato’ Khor, in particular, will recall my persistent inquiries about Phase 2 whenever we had the occasion to converse in person.

I am indeed delighted that Phase 2 of PICC, with its myriad of commercial components such as the shopping mall, international hotel, Global Business Services (GBS) hub, and office spaces, will further exemplify Penang’s potential as Malaysia’s major economic gateway while expanding the variety of job opportunities in the State.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Penang's growth stems from the twin engines of our robust manufacturing industry and vibrant services sector. In terms of manufacturing, since the Pakatan administration took charge in 2008, the state has attracted a staggering RM196.67 billion in total approved manufacturing investments. We have witnessed the arrival of industry giants such as Micron, Western Digital, Boston Scientific, and LAM Research, alongside continuous reinvestments by established pillars like Intel and B. Braun. Additionally, credit must be given to our ecosystem built by over 4,000 SMEs, which has contributed to the sustainable growth of the entire industry.

On the services front, the State has evolved over the years to adapt to the rise of Global Business Services (GBS) by continuously establishing spaces that will support the needs of global corporations. From GBS @ Mayang and GBS @ Mahsuri, to the upcoming GBS by the Sea, alongside other private-driven spaces around the island, Penang has established itself as a major hub of tech-driven services that not just support the manufacturing front but also incubate innovations for various industries.

It is, however, undeniable that tourism remains the anchor of the services industry in the State. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Penang's tourism industry has experienced a strong rebound, and we anticipate a full recovery by the end of this year. Nonetheless, to sustain our position as Malaysia's primary tourism gateway, it is imperative for Penang to witness the development of new products and services that continually attract both domestic and international tourists.

Hence, I am delighted to be here today to officiate the commencement of Phase 2, which will serve as the heart of PICC. The components in the upcoming PICC Commercial Hub within Phase 2 will play a significant role in supporting the growth of Penang, particularly in the Southwest district, which is also home to our Silicon Valley of the East. PICC will be an embodiment of what Penang aspires to be for the future: vibrant, integrated, metropolitan, forward-looking, and technology driven.

Accordingly, I am pleased to share that we are making good progress on the development of the LRT component under the Penang Transport Master Plan, and we look forward to providing more details to all of you soon. The State Government of Penang has also pushed incessantly for the expansion of our Penang International Airport to support the growth of our tourism industry, and I am happy to finally see that it is finally forthcoming.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I was also made to understand that Phase 2 will cover the development of a 3-tower serviced residence, namely SENZE @ PICC, that will cater to the housing needs of our incoming talents into Penang. Along with that, Hunza Properties Group is incorporating a central park into the commercial heart of PICC that will support the State’s vision of ‘A Family-Focused, Green, and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.

Speaking of smart, I would like to sieze this opportunity to commend Hunza Properties Group on yet another momentous occasion, particularly the imminent completion of MUZE @ PICC, which will stand as the "Tallest Smart Residential Building in Northern Malaysia". I hope to have the privilege of witnessing the key handover ceremony a few months down the road, alongside my esteemed colleagues gathered here today.

In conclusion, I would like to once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to Hunza Properties Group for their remarkable achievements over the years and express my deepest appreciation for their tireless efforts in driving the realization of the Penang International Commercial City, even in the face of the pandemic – and even more so during a significant year such as 2023, as the Group celebrates its 45^th anniversary in the industry.

With that, thank you for having me today, and I wish all of you a pleasant evening ahead. May we continue to lead Penang's progress and prosperity as we strive towards a brighter future for us all!