THE Penang government’s very own initiative called Digital Penang, celebrated two good news today with the opening of a new office and the launch of its long-awaited Digital Transformation Masterplan (DTMP) to spur digitalisation in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who graced the occasion as guest of honour, described the new space and launch of the DTMP as monumental in the state’s efforts towards the Penang2030 vision for a ‘Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“We are here today to celebrate this milestone, as another promise delivered by the state government to enhance and stress the importance of digitalisation during this time where its role has gained a very important place in our lives.
“The release of the Digital Transformation Masterplan is both timely and challenging.
“Never before has Penang and Malaysia faced such great odds on multiple fronts. While the global pandemic is still actively happening around us, such efforts could prove to make a difference in the economic progress of the state and country.
“The driving purpose is to have in place the right foundations for Penang to transition and thrive in the era of the digital economy.
“The impetus is to have every person and entity embrace digital transformation, in the same way every stakeholder in Penang has a role and deserving place in the Penang2030 vision,” he said during the opening of the new office and launching of the Digital Transformation Masterplan at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee in George Town today.
Digital Penang, which was formed last year and currently being led by its chief executive officer Tony Yeoh Choon Hock, is aimed at accelerating efforts in pursuing opportunities in the digital economy as well as promoting a digitally engaged society in the state.
During his speech, Chow also added that Digital Penang staff (13 of them) were temporarily placed at Penang Institute at Jalan Brown in George Town from its inception until today.
“The future is exciting and possibilities are endless. I call upon everyone to support the Digital Transformation Masterplan to realise the Penang2030 vision by leveraging digital technologies as an enabling tool,” he added.
Meanwhile Yeoh, during his speech, said that DTMP is a meta plan that encompasses several sub-plans that outlines digitalisation ambitions and goals towards a connected, creative and competitive society.
“At the state-level, this masterplan will align sub-plans such as Penang Connectivity Masterplan, Smart State Masterplan, Penang Green Agenda, and Penang Tourism Masterplan to ensure the technological elements are congruent and consistent to deliver great experience and outcomes.
“This plan only outlines the strategic initiatives for the first three years to set the foundation for transformation towards the Penang2030 vision.
“With our new office now, we look forward to staying even more relevant in the future where digitalisation is concerned.
“In a world fraught with change and uncertainty, we need to differentiate and adapt to be relevant,” he added.
Also present together with Chow, who is the immediate chairman of Digital Penang, were its board of directors, namely state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari (vice-chairman), Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and Penang Institute CEO Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Chan Kok Kuan