CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on youths, especially university students, to share their ideas and thoughts on Penang2030.
“I’ve met many stakeholders, organisations and individuals sharing their views and plans in line with Penang2030. But an age group is missing which is the youths, especially varsity students,” Chow said in his speech when officiating the ‘Evolve Final Year Exhibition 2019’ by KDU students at Jetty 35, Weld Quay today.
“Therefore, I would like to invite you (the youths) to share your views and ideas. You can always reach out to me through the Penang2030 Unit in my office. I believe the youths of Penang are capable and creative in generating ideas.”
In August last year, Chow launched Penang2030, a vision he has for the state to be a family-focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation.
“The vision may seem some 10 years away but technology is evolving each second and in a blink of an eye, we would be in 2030 already. It’s vital for us to start planning for the future.”
Also present were KDU Penang University College deputy vice-chancellor Dr Brian C. Imrie, Department of Built Environment head Syed Fahmi, Department of Built Environment programme leader Elena Ooi and Evolve Final Year Exhibition event director John Poh.
The two-day exhibition showcases the artworks by final year students (Diploma in Interior Design and Bachelor in Interior Architecture) from Department of Built Environment. Its theme is “Creative Meets Living, Innovative Meets Future.”
Chow said architects and planners could play very important and influential roles in impacting the environment.
“Throughout the exhibition, there is a presence of balanced development and effective planning. The designs enhance the quality of life as I believe family is the core of a healthy individual and country,” said Chow, who later spent some time looking at the various exhibits by the 16 graduates.
Like Chow, Imrie also congratulated the graduates, saying interior design and creative media design play a very important and distinctive role in enriching our well-being.
“Design is not just what it looks and feels like, design is how it works,” Imrie quoted Steve Jobs in his speech.
“We’re committed at KDU Penang University College to producing talent in this area by enhancing students’ creativity and innovation through access to real-world design opportunities.
“Our record speaks for itself – our graduates are preferred by employers. Indeed, KDU Penang University College has the enviable record of 98.65% of our graduates being in either full-time employment, or pursuing one of our many postgraduate programmes, within six months of graduation.”
The two-day exhibition, beginning from 10am to 8pm, ends tomorrow. There is also a design workshop at 12 noon tomorrow.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Chan Kok Kuan
