THE Penang government remains committed to empowering the people, particularly youths, to strengthen civic participation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this is in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“As you take a closer look at the Penang2030 vision, you could see that the state government would like to achieve greater civic participation and community involvement in the aspect of policy making.
“This is outlined under Theme 3: Empower people to strengthen civic participation.
“In this matter, the Penang government is paying special attention towards empowering youth for the future.
“For example, we have made it compulsory for every Village Community Management Council (MPKK) in the state to have at least two youth (male and female) representatives.
“This is important to ensure that there is youth involvement in decision-making for any programme involving the local community.
“The youths should not be left out. After all, youths are the hope of our future,” Chow said in his speech during the project launching ceremony of JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2022 (JCIM SDA 2022) at the Penang Harmony Centre (Harmonico) in Scotland Road today.
Also present were JCI Malaysia National vice-president Tan Wei Jian, JCI United Penang president Zoey Tang, and JCIM SDA 2022 organising chairman Ivan Ng.
Chow said the state government is also a strong supporter of the annual Youth Parliament (Sidang Muda) organised by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) for youths to gain exposure in the workings of the democratic process.
“It is also to prepare them to be the future leaders,” he said.
Chow said that JCI was an important catalyst in training youths.
“As such, I look forward to greater contributions from every one of you in JCI because you are the agent of change in our society,” he added.
Speaking about the JCIM SDA 2022 programme, Tan said it is hosted by JCI United Penang, on behalf of JCI Malaysia.
“The JCIM SDA was first launched in 2016 nationwide by JCI Malaysia as our yearly programme.
“The purpose of the JCIM SDA is to raise awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to the public as well as to recognise companies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have organised projects that help advance the SDG.
“JCIM SDA also aimed at raising awareness, being a motivator and inspiration to companies, NGOs, and youths to advance and support the SDG,” he said.
Ng said the entry for JCIM SDA 2022 is open to all types of companies and organisations.
“The award will be based on sustainable projects conducted by any of the participating companies and organisations.
“The nomination is from Feb 17 to June 30 and entries must be submitted online at https://sda.jcimalaysia.cc/
“Entry fees are RM1,000 (for companies) and RM500 (for NGO/government agencies) and this include one award ceremony ticket.
“A total of 40 finalists will be shortlisted from all nominations received nationwide.
“And a total of 17 winners and one grand prize winner will be announced during the grand award ceremony which will be held in September this year in Penang,” he said.
Chow also encouraged more Malaysia companies and organisations to submit their projects which had been conducted in line with the SDGs for the award.
“I am sure it will add value to your brand name. An impactful project may inspire other successful projects as well,” Chow said.
For more information about the JCIM SDA 2022 award, visit https://sda.jcimalaysia.cc/
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar