PENANG and South Australia have shared a common aspiration of smart and sustainable cities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his pre-recorded opening address, said Penang is passionate and committed to the development of education and training sectors, and intends to transform them into one of the state’s main economic drivers.
“We are pleased to embark on a journey to transform into an international and smart city.
“Through Study Penang, the Penang government aspires to establish the state as a world-class education hub, raise awareness and recognition of the education sector; and leverage current and future needs of the private sector,” he said during the special edition virtual event entitled ‘Sustainable and Smart Cities: Building Education, Research and Skills Training Partnerships between the sister cities’ today.
The event was organised by ASEAN-Australia Education Dialogue (AAED) to mark the 47th anniversary of the George Town (Penang) – Adelaide sister city relationship.
It was moderated by ASEAN-Australia Education Dialogue convenor and ASEAN Focus Group (AFG VG) director Michael Fay.
Chow said former South Australian premier Don Dunstan and the then Penang Chief Minister the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu formed a formal sister city relationship between George Town and the City of Adelaide 47 years ago.
“Since then, there have been several exchanges, projects and activities between Penang and South Australia. The recent ones being the hosting of two successive AAED in 2018 and 2019,” he said.
Chow also spoke about the state’s total approved manufacturing investments for the first nine months of this year.
“I am happy to note that despite the setback of the Covid-19 pandemic, Penang has managed to record RM10.6 billion of total approved manufacturing investments for the first nine months of this year, creating about 9,137 new employment opportunities in the state,” he said.
Chow also spoke about the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“I encourage you to visit the Penang2030 website to find out more about our vision and plans to transform Penang into a sustainable and smart city,” he said.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) urban services director Mubarak Junus, who was among the panellists, presented the council’s efforts and initiatives to transform George Town into a sustainable and smart city.
Mubarak said the council strived to put in place measures to ensure a safe environment for Penangites in view of the challenges caused by Covid-19.
“The Penang government taps into its strength, resources and capacities to stimulate the economy and to sustain the environment. The concept of smart city as well as smart governance play a vital role during this crucial period.
“The movement control order (MCO) has pushed us towards embracing digitalisation.
“The MBPP wants to create an intelligent, liveable and happy city for the people; and we plan to become a data-driven city,” he said.
Mubarak said the council has a data-driven system called the Integrated Local Council Solution System.
“The system enables us to provide faster, more efficient and better services to the people.
“We collaborated with a private company, IBM, to set up the Intelligent Operation Centre (IOC). The IOC provides visibility in the city and it optimises our operational efficiency.
“Data is collected by the sensors, CCTVs and other smart gadgets, which we can use to analyse patterns, trends and other anomalies,” he said.
Mubarak also mentioned about the council’s efforts in protecting the Outstanding Universal Values (OUV) of George Town and repopulating it.
“We are bringing together various modes of transportation into our city,” he said.
City of Adelaide Economic Development and Sustainability associate director Michelle English spoke about smart city initiatives, sustainability initiatives and fast Covid-19 response among the many other topics.
“The City of Adelaide is seeing the impact of climate change.
“We undertake climate risk assessments in terms of facilities and our services. We do heat mapping to understand and to collect data for decision-making purposes,” she said.
English also said that the city ensures that water is used as best it can be.
Two other speakers – Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng and ASEAN Focus Group (AFG VG) international specialist advisor Thomson Ch’ng – touched on the areas for rejuvenation of ties between George Town and the City of Adelaide; education and skills training links between the sister cities; and talent management and retention.
Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL-JwyqVVcw to check out the special dialogue.
Story by Christopher Tan