SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW

THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 12^TH PENANG INTERNATIONAL HALAL EXPO & CONFERENCE (PIHEC)

25^th May 2023

YB Dato’ Abdul Halim Hussain

Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development

Mr. Fazil Irwan Som

Chief Executive Officer of Penang Halal International

Members Of Media

Ladies and Gentlemen

A very good afternoon to all.

We have gathered here today to make an official announcement regarding the highly anticipated 12^th Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC), scheduled to take place from the 23^rd to the 25^th of June 2023.

This year, the event will be hosted at the SPICE Convention Center and Arena, utilizing two venues to accommodate its grandeur. It fills me with immense pride to preside over this event, which stands as the largest Halal gathering in northern Malaysia, positioning Penang at the forefront.

As you are well aware, Penang has continuously sought out new areas of growth to fortify its competitive advantage. Having reigned as a leader in the E&E sector for many decades, the Halal industry is now one of the new growth frontiers that Penang is really focused on, recognizing its tremendous market potential.

PIHEC serves as an eminent platform for Penang to showcase our Halal sector while fostering collaboration and forging business deals with Halal ecosystems from around the world. Through these partnerships, we aim to establish Penang as the regional Halal hub for ASEAN.

Fortunately, we already possess a robust industrial base and excellent logistics connectivity, including airports, seaports, and our strategic location as the epicenter of maritime and mainland Southeast Asia. This advantageous foundation eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel, providing Penang with a head start in this endeavor.

Ladies and gentlemen,

While PIHEC 2023 shines a spotlight on Penang, it also serves as a platform for other states to showcase their promising Halal players. And as such, we are honored to be joined by participants from states such as Selangor, Kelantan, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, and many others, collectively highlighting the remarkable talent within our nation.

On that note, I am delighted to announce that PIHEC 2023 will also host a broader range of foreign delegations, surpassing the numbers from previous years. This year, in addition to our neighboring countries, we anticipate a substantial delegation from China, along with esteemed participants from the business community from as far as Spain, Chile and various other regions.

This presents an exceptional opportunity for Penang to explore new Halal markets, and we hold great confidence that this event will yield remarkable outcomes.

To date, we have received confirmation from 268 booth participants, representing approximately 70% of the total booth capacity. These participants, both local and overseas, will showcase a wide array of exclusive and high-quality products and services. From delectable food and beverages to halal ingredients, modest fashion, and much more, the exhibition promises to be a captivating experience.

In conjunction with the event, a multitude of programs will be held, including conferences, industry briefings by government agencies, product pitching sessions, seminars, and captivating performances by various artists. We anticipate an impressive attendance of approximately 20,000 visitors this year.

Thus, to those eager to expand their networks with potential business partners in the Halal sector, whether in F&B, Tourism, Tech, and various other industries, as well as those seeking to explore new markets, I implore you not to miss this remarkable event from the 23^rd to the 25^th of June 2023.

Thank you.

SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW

THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

AT THE 12^TH PENANG INTERNATIONAL HALAL EXPO & CONFERENCE (PIHEC) 2023

23^rd June 2023

SPICE Convention Centre & Arena

YB Dato' Ir. Haji Ahmad Zakiyuddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman

Deputy Chief Minister 1 of Penang

YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Hussain

Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development

Penang State Executive Councillors

Exco Members of Various States

Honourable State Assemblymen

His Excellency Bapak Bambang Suharto

Consul General of Republic Indonesia in Penang

Honorary Consuls

Encik Fazil Irwan Som

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Penang Halal International (PHI)

Board members of PHI

Distinguished guests

All Sponsors & Participants PIHEC 2023

Members of the media

Ladies and gentlemen

Good Morning.

It is a pleasure for me to be here with all of you today at the 12^th Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC), happening for 3 days from today until Sunday.

Before I proceed, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulations to Penang Halal International, the organizer of this significant event. I would also like to express my gratitude to our main sponsors and partners, namely MMK Usahawan, PETACE, PDC, Hong Leong Islamic, MDEC, as well as all other sponsors and partners who have contributed to the success of this event.

As I look around, I am truly delighted to witness such a diverse gathering of individuals this morning, representing different parts of the world, including from Latin America, Europe, China and various parts of our Southeast Asia region. Your presence here is a testament to the global interest in the Halal industry, which is projected to reach nearly USD 5 trillion by 2030.

For Penang, this represents a tremendous opportunity. Having been a leader in the manufacturing sector for many decades, it is only fitting that we venture into new avenues of growth to diversify our economy. Accordingly, the Halal industry emerges as a promising prospect that holds tremendous potential for the future of our state, and we are ready to embrace it wholeheartedly.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The exponential growth of the Halal sector on a global scale is truly remarkable. With the increasing global Muslim population and growing awareness of Halal practices, the demand for Halal products and services has soared. In our region alone, we have 240 million Muslims which represents 42% of the ASEAN population.

With our ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Free Trade Agreement (RCEP FTA), I am confident that the Halal industry can breathe new life into our region’s economies. Positioned strategically between the mainland and maritime ASEAN countries, Penang, with its cultural diversity and rich culinary heritage, is primed to leverage this burgeoning market and establish itself as a prominent Halal hub.

Diversifying into the Halal sector offers Penang numerous advantages. Firstly, it allows us to tap into a vast consumer base that extends beyond its borders. Halal products and services are not limited to the Muslim community alone; they appeal to a broader audience seeking ethical, quality, and safe offerings. By catering to this diverse market, Penang can attract both domestic and international consumers, thereby boosting trade and tourism in the region.

Furthermore, the Halal sector fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. It encourages local businesses to develop Halal-certified products and services that adhere to the highest standards of quality and integrity. This drive for innovation spurs research and development, leading to the creation of high-value jobs and nurturing a culture of creativity within Penang's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Penang's existing infrastructure and expertise in the E&E sector can also be leveraged in the development of the Halal industry. The state's robust supply chain, manufacturing capabilities, and technological advancements can be seamlessly integrated into the production and distribution of Halal products. This cross-pollination of industries allows for a smooth transition and maximizes the potential synergies between the E&E and Halal sectors.

Moreover, investing in the Halal sector aligns well with the state’s Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’. It can help Penang in its push to be a sustainable and inclusive state. Halal practices emphasize ethical sourcing, fair trade, and environmental stewardship. By promoting these values, Penang can showcase its commitment to responsible and sustainable development, attracting conscious consumers and investors who prioritize social and environmental impact.

In fact, in recent years, Penang has already taken significant strides towards the development of the Halal industry. The State Government, in collaboration with industry players, has established Halal parks, training programmes, and promotional agencies such as Penang Halal International, to support businesses entering the Halal sector. This proactive approach demonstrates Penang's commitment to nurturing and expanding this promising growth area.

Ladies and gentlemen,

All in all, the Halal sector represents a tremendous opportunity for Penang as it seeks to diversify its economy and explore new growth areas. This emerging industry not only capitalizes on the growing demand for Halal products and services but also aligns with Penang's strengths in culture, culinary traditions, and existing infrastructure. By embracing the Halal sector, Penang can chart a new course towards economic prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development.

Nevertheless, we comprehend that it is crucial for Penang to approach this transition with a well-defined strategy. Along with continuous investment in research and development, infrastructure, and market intelligence, we recognize that collaborative partnerships between the governments, industry stakeholders, and academia will be key to ensuring Penang's success in the global Halal market.

As such, I am pleased that the 12th Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC) today provides a platform for us all to come together, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships in the Halal industry. I am confident that with such collaborative efforts, Penang can become a leading Halal hub, contributing not only to our state's economy but also act as a catalyst for the overall development of the Halal industry regionally and globally.

With that, thank you for your presence today, and I wish you all a productive and enjoyable time at the 12th Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC). Let us continue to work together to make Halal a positive economic force for all.

Thank you.