KEY players in the industry are helping the society, state and nation to bounce back from the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Penang advisor Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock said that FMM Penang together with its associates had held numerous welfare programmes to assist the needy over the years.
“One of the many recent ones was the FMM-OCBC Bank charity programme which helped to raise RM1 milllion to aid the underprivileged students, charity homes, Penang Lawan Covid-19, Tabung TYT and the frontliners.
“We are deeply concerned about education, especially during this pandemic period.
“The pandemic has forced the society and the students to embrace e-learning. However, we need to have strong broadband services and the facilities to fully adopt e-learning.
“I am happy that a total of RM7.4 billion has been allocated in the Malaysia Budget 2021 to build and upgrade broadband services for the year 2021 and 2022.
“It is very important to improve the facilities and ecosystem. It will not only benefit our education system but also attract more investments into the country,” he said today.
Dr Ooi was one of the recipients of the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN) award, which carries the Datuk Seri title.
He thanked the Penang Governor, state, FMM Penang, MK Group, his associates, friends and family members for the support and recognition.
The investiture ceremony to mark the 82nd birthday of Penang Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas was held at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre yesterday and today. The ceremony was also held at the Dewan Sri Pinang last week.
The investiture ceremony was initially scheduled to be held on July 11 last year.
Penang Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Conservation and Restoration Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahinder Singh Dulku, who also received the DGPN award, said it was a very fulfilling moment for him.
“It is a tremendous honour to receive the award. It is the culmination of all the hard work that I’ve done and they were duly recognised by the state,” he said.
Mahinder added that it has been a challenging period to raise funds for the restoration of Penang Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, a Category One heritage building.
Philanthropist and businessman Datuk Moh See Eng attributed his Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) award to the M Summit family and friends.
“I want to thank the Penang Governor and the state for recognising our charity work and contributions to the society.
“This will inspire us to continue to do our best for the community.
“Coincidentally, today (March 18) is our 31st wedding anniversary,” Moh, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Jennifer Ong, said.
In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the M Summit Group last year, Moh had decided to contribute 20,000 face masks to the Penang government to be distributed to the frontliners and the needy, distributed face masks to the homeless, donated books and clothes to St Joseph’s Home, cooked Chinese New Year lunch for Rumah Charis old folk, gave pet food to 4Paws and Cat Beach and gave away back-to-school items to 110 poor pupils.
Penang Liga Muslim president Datuk Najmudeen Abd Kader was grateful to receive the Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN) award.
“Being active in various non-governmental organisations allows me to do more to help those who are in need.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many people and the industries, especially the tourism industry. However, I believe we can bounce back soon.
“We have survived this pandemic and are on the road to recovery,” he said.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof Dr Mohd Fozi Ali thanked the Penang Governor and the state for the DSPN award, which carries the Datuk title.
“This recognition is not only for me but also for UiTM,” he said.
Prof Fozi said he was tasked to ensure the development of infrastructure in 35 UiTM campuses in the country.
“It is quite a heavy responsibility. Our system has to cater for about 185,000 students and almost 18,000 staff.
“We are now implementing digital initiatives in UiTM,” he said.
Penang Botanic Gardens curator Dr Saw Leng Guan was also conferred the DSPN award, which carries the Datuk title.
“I am truly honoured to receive the award. I want to thank the Penang Governor and the state for recognising my contributions.
“I am now writing a paper about the botanic gardens in Malaysia, and of course, Penang comes first.
“Penang is one of the best states in Malaysia. It is special because of its history and circumstances,” he said.
The award presentation for Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN), Bintang Cemerlang Negeri (BCN), Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT), Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK), Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (PJM) and Pingat Bakti Setia (PBS) was held from March 10 to 12 at the Dewan Sri Pinang.
And a total of 114 Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN), Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN) and Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) recipients received their awards at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre yesterday and today.
The list of recipients, which involves 829 individuals, for the state awards and medals has been gazetted on Dec 3 last year.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Alissala Thian