DIGITALISATION is the next economic propeller of Penang, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Chow said the state had allocated some RM1.19 million for the Digital Promoter Scheme and Digital Coach Scheme to encourage digital use among entrepreneurs and consumers.
“The allocation was included in the 2021 state Budget, which was presented during the State Legislative Assembly this year.
“Digitalisation is in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision; to prepare local manufacturing industries for the digital age and green economy.
“The Digital Promoter Scheme is a programme that encourages the use of e-wallets by consumers and traders in support of state’s cashless transaction; while the Digital Coach Scheme is a programme that provides knowledge to the public, especially senior citizens,” he said in his speech before launching the International Inspirasi Khadijah Virtual 2020 (IIKV 2020) in St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.
The IIKV 2020 is an innovative cross border e-trade and e-commerce platform, which is held from Dec 18 to Jan 19, 2021.
This virtual platform is an initiative by the Penang Halal International Sdn Bhd (PHI) and supported by the state Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development office.
It is aimed at elevating digital development for business entities and entrepreneurs by connecting them via virtual meet.
As part of state’s efforts to revive entrepreneurs, various steps have been undertaken. This includes the collaboration between PHI and other major industry players.
“PHI is taking the lead by embracing the digital platform for marketing and business development.
“IIKV 2020 is the pride of Penang.
“The participants can grab this opportunity to speed up their respective digitalisation efforts.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to PHI, the sponsors, supporters and merchants participating in the event.
“We can overcome this pandemic while ensuring that Penang emerges as one of the most dynamic states,” he said.
State Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said virtual expo sessions would likely be here to stay for a time being.
“I am happy that PHI took this opportunity to organise the IIKV 2020.
“It is also an effort from us (state) to connect the merchants virtually and to overcome Covid-19 challenges,” he said in his speech.
PHI chief executive officer Aida Lim Abdullah was pleased with state’s committment in supporting the event.
Also present was Indonesia’s consul-general in Penang Bambang Suharto.
For more information on IIKV 2020, kindly log on to www.iikv.penanghalal.international
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud