The Penang government, together with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), have officially unveiled a collaborative partnership with the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities).
This programme aims to enhance the state’s resilience and urban systems across diverse sectors, playing a crucial role in fostering economic growth.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised the increasing importance of resilience for Penang, considering its growing population and urbanisation.
He highlighted the need for progressive urban strategies to position Penang as a hub for innovation and investment, expanding opportunities beyond the state.
“Essential to Penang’s future transformation into a hub for innovation and investments extending beyond the state, progressive urban thought processes have become a cornerstone,” he said.
Chow stressed that Penang is not just a state but a dynamic laboratory facing complex challenges in physical boundaries, planning systems, economic prospects, social stability, and climate change.
In the context of global challenges, such as population growth and climate-induced environmental pressures, he highlighted the pivotal role of prioritising resilience for fostering economic growth and development.
Chow delivered these insights during the Resilience Partnership and Chief Resilience Officers (CRO) announcement ceremony at The TOP Komtar.
R-Cities is a not-for-profit organisation led by global cities which harnesses knowledge, practices partnerships and financing to empower cities and help them build a safe, equitable and sustainable future for all.
This collaborative partnership is also supported by Micron Technology’s very own community-based arm, Micron Foundation.
During the event, three chief resilience officers (CRO) were announced, and they are the Penang State Secretariat Office Under Secretary Muhamad Husni Mahmud (representing the state government), MBPP Town Planning and Development director Mohd Bashir Sulaiman (representing MBPP) and MBSP Town Planning and Development director Norliza Abdullah (representing MBSP).
CROs are generally senior-level city officials who coordinate across government departments and city stakeholders to craft strategies and implement actions that build city-wide resilience.
Meanwhile, Resilient Cities Network City Engagement and Practice global director Lina Liakou, during her speech, said that this partnership is not just a commitment but also a testament to a collective vision for a sustainable and resilient Penang.
“This partnership stands as a distinctive example of collaboration among the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, demonstrating how they can collectively navigate the challenges of our era.
“This collaboration is distinctive, bringing together the state government and its two local councils to unite in building resilience across their territories, urban systems, and communities.
“In an era dominated by global challenges like climate change, urbanisation, and social-economic disparities, the imperative to cultivate resilient practices has never been more crucial.
“We hope that through this partnership, we can drive a resilient strategy that is based on the needs and strengths of Penang.
“We are not just planning the future or the present, but we are also preparing for the future.
“At R-Cities, and as part of this partnership, we are committed to sharing knowledge, resources and best practices with Penang in making it a model of resilience for other cities to follow,” she said in her speech.
Micron Malaysia vice-president and country manager Amarjit Singh Sandhu emphasised in his speech that amidst the ongoing post-pandemic recovery, people-centric programmes and partnerships are equally essential alongside technological and operational advancements for global progress.
“We appreciate the close collaboration with R-Cities Network through the Micron Foundation to implement a programme aimed at fortifying Penang’s resilience. This initiative is designed to future-proof the region against potential climate or structural challenges that could impact communities both now and in the future,” he said.
Among others present during the ceremony were MBSP mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad