PENANG, recognised for its sustainable development and tourism, welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China today.
The delegation, led by Minister Ni Hong, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar. Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, was also present.
Minister Ni Hong praised Penang as a must-visit destination in Malaysia, highlighting its achievements in sustainable development.
“Penang is not only a renowned tourist destination but also a state that has received numerous accolades for its commitment to sustainable development.
“Last year, George Town, Penang, was one of five cities worldwide to receive the inaugural Global Awards for Sustainable Development in Cities, also known as the ‘Shanghai Award’. This recognition was a testament to the state’s efforts and progress,” Ni Hong said.
The award saw George Town standing out among 54 contenders from 16 countries and regions. It was jointly hosted by China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Shanghai government, and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Ni Hong took the opportunity to visit Penang after attending the second ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur on July 4. The first ASEAN-China roundtable was held in Nanning, China, in September 2023.
Reflecting on the roundtable, Ni Hong noted the success of ACMROCH 2024, where discussions on sustainable housing, urban management, and smart city development took place.
“I am excited to experience Penang and its culinary delights, particularly the ‘King of Fruits,’ including the Musang King and Black Thorn durians,” Ni Hong added.
Minister Nga shared that the Chinese officials, during the bilateral meeting on July 4, expressed support for Malaysia’s nomination for the UN-Habitat Assembly presidency for the 2026-2029 term, set to be decided in Nairobi, Kenya next year.
Nga also praised Ni Hong, highlighting his extensive experience in the construction and housing sectors.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared Penang’s success story, stressing the significant role of local governments – the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) – in the state’s development.
“Penang has witnessed significant growth through collaborations, including those with the Federal Government.
“Local government affairs are particularly important to me, given my background as a former state executive council member for Local Government and Traffic Management before becoming the Chief Minister of Penang,” Chow said.
Others present during the 30-minute courtesy visit were Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong, Chow’s senior confidential secretary Mohd Balkish Othman, and Chow’s confidential secretary Lai Hon Meng.
Also present were China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (Department of Housing Reform and Development) director-general Wang Shengjun; China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (Department of Building Energy Efficiency and Science and Technology) director-general Chen Shaopeng; China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (Department of Planning, Finance and Foreign Affairs) deputy director-general Li Zhe; China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (General Office) secretary Ding Bohan; and China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (Department of Planning, Finance and Foreign Affairs) division director Li Jie.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En