FORMER Penang Global Tourism (PGT) managing director Ooi Geok Ling has been appointed as the new Swedish honorary consul to Penang.
To celebrate Ooi’s appointment and the reopening of the consulate, a special reception was held at the Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion in Lebuh Leith, George Town, today.
Gracing the ceremony earlier was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
In his speech, Chow said he was impressed with Sweden claiming the 23rd spot in Penang’s growing list of honorary consulates.
“We also have Ooi as the honorary consul, a familiar face in the state, particularly in the tourism industry, as she was PGT’s managing director from 2009 to 2014.
“We thank the ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, Dr Joachim Bergstrom for choosing the right person to be the bridge that further connects Sweden and Penang.
“As for the existing Penang – Sweden connection, many Malaysians and Penangites are already accustomed to a strong Swedish presence in our daily lives.
“From the meatballs in my Parliamentary constituency (Batu Kawan) to the ‘Made By Sweden’ tagline for vehicles on the roads, I anticipate that the establishment of the Swedish honorary consulate will not only benefit various Swedish business interests here but will also contribute to fostering stronger ties and promoting greater exposure for Penang in Sweden,” Chow said in his speech.
Ooi, during her tenure at PGT, played a pivotal role in introducing the George Town Literary Festival, which is still being celebrated actively in the state.
In her address, she shared that upon receiving a call from the Swedish embassy last year regarding the honorary consul role, she felt excitement and recognised it as a wonderful opportunity to deepen her understanding of the country.
“I am truly honoured for this opportunity and I hope to continue to strengthen the ties between Penang and Sweden in areas such as trade, tourism, culture, education and sustainability,” she said.
Earlier, Ooi and Dr Joachim presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the consulate located in the Penas Tower, Midlands Park Centre in Pulau Tikus.
Also present during the reception at Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion were Dr Joachim, Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng and the Habitat Foundation chairman Datuk Seri Harry Allyn Cockrell.
It is also learnt that Ooi (Geok Ling) is a trustee at The Habitat Foundation.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat