AFTER serving for the past two years and ten months as the Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Shinichiro Kanoya received a warm send-off today as he was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Award by the Penang Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society (CCPSS) in the presence of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow extended his sincerest appreciation to Kanoya for sparing no effort in promoting a friendly and warm working relationship between Penang and the Japanese government for the past two years and ten months.
“Kanoya’s time as the Consul-General of Japan in Penang was certainly marked by historic events, including the 2018 general elections, the era of the Covid-19 pandemic and many others.
“The friendship fostered between Penangites and the local Japanese community flourished over the years through numerous cultural events such as Bon Odori and Penang Yosakoi Parade.
“The state government hopes that these festivals will continue to be part of Penang’s cultural fabric once we are absolutely free from this Covid-19 world crisis,” Chow said during the farewell courtesy visit by Kanoya at his office in Komtar today.
Kanoya, who was set to return to Japan, hoped that the established friendly relationship between Penang and Japan would further flourish when his successor arrives in due time.
“Penang has and always will be close to my heart. The Japanese community is always warmly treated in this state and the level of hospitality is simply indescribable.
“I am extremely honoured to receive this award by the CCPSS. I wish to thank the society for always working closely with many sectors in inseminating the importance of crime consciousness and playing a part to curb crime,” Kanoya said during his speech at the award presentation ceremony in Komtar.
He also strongly believed that Japanese tourists would still prefer Penang as their holiday destination once the travel ban is lifted.
“So, when organisations like CCPSS can play their role in helping the society to create more awareness about crime prevention in the community, Penang will continue to pioneer as the most preferred holiday destination for many,” he added.
Kanoya, who was accompanied by his wife Machiko Kanoya, wished all Penangites good health and happiness as he bid farewell at the ceremony that turned out to be an emotional one for the attendees.
Also present during the ceremony were Penang CCPSS chairman Datuk Mohamad Anil Shah and Royal Malaysian Police Penang branch Crime Prevention Division deputy chief ACP Tan Cheng San.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis