THE Penang government is currently in the process of establishing a Penang2030 centre each in the remaining 18 of the 40 state constituencies.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this after launching the 22nd Penang2030 centre at Dewan Serbaguna Chai Leng Park in Perai today.
He said the Penang2030 centre is crucial and instrumental in bringing the Penang2030 concept to the grassroots level and enabling the community to understand the vision better.
“It is hoped that through the Penang2030 centres, we will be able to encourage greater community participation, particularly among our youth, in various initiatives.
“This is in line with a crucial theme of the Penang2030 vision, which is to empower people to strengthen civic participation.
“After all, as a state government, it is our duty to ensure the public is well aware of the happenings in the state, especially policies, current and future development plans and many other issues too.
“Thus, we need to engage and encourage participation by the public through this platform,” Chow said in his speech before launching the Perai Penang2030 centre at Dewan Serbaguna Chai Leng Park in Perai today.
Chow also launched a blood donation campaign at the same place.
It was organised by the Perai Penang2030 centre.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also the Perai assemblyman, and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor David Marshel.
Chow said he was also delighted to see that the Perai Penang2030 centre has started on the right foot by organising today’s blood donation campaign in collaboration with various organisations.
There were also additional activities, such as free health consultations, a dengue awareness programme, a solar car workshop and a children’s colouring contest.
“I would like to thank the Perai Penang2030 centre team, and everyone involved for your dedication and efforts in making today’s programme a success.
“As we work to build a brighter future for Penang and its people, I look forward to many more beneficial events and programmes as such in the times to come,” said Chow.
On a separate matter, Chow also said that the state government is focusing on bringing a balanced development for both the island and Seberang Perai.
“The state agencies such as the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang are implementing strategic plans for the growth of new development areas in Seberang Perai based on the ‘Green and Smart City’ concept.
“We can already see that the Batu Kawan industrial area is now a world-renowned electrical and electronics (E&E) technology hub.
“Also, a noteworthy development is the collaboration between Ideal Property Group and the state government to create the Penang Technology Park in Bertam, which is in tandem with the state’s initiative to promote tripartite public-private and people-partnership strategies to enhance Penang’s development,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud