THE state’s journey towards becoming a smart city is well underway, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
According to Chow, this is defined by a series of recent transformative initiatives demonstrating the state government’s unwavering commitment to this vision, one of the central pillars of the Penang2030 vision.
“We envision Penang as a global hub of innovation, where technology is harnessed to improve the quality of life for our citizens.
“This involves leveraging data and digital technologies to enhance urban mobility, healthcare, education, and public services.
“It means creating a city that is not just responsive to the needs of our residents and visitors but one that anticipates those needs, where information flows seamlessly, and where sustainability is at the forefront of every decision.
“After all, Penang2030 vision is about making Penang a place where everyone can thrive or succeed, where innovation and technology play a pivotal role in our niche area,” Chow said in his speech before officiating the Touch ‘n Go RFID Penang Roadshow at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel in Weld Quay today.
Also present were state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Digital Penang chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming and Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Praba Sangarajoo.
Chow added that the digital initiatives in the state are mostly planned and carried out by Digital Penang, a state government-linked company established in April 2020 to bridge the digital divide and improve digital literacy among our residents.
“We understand that digital literacy is not just a skill but a fundamental necessity in the 21st century.
“Thus, through the various initiatives of Digital Penang, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, has the opportunity to embrace the digital age.
“As a result, these various initiatives help in empowering our youth, upskilling our workforce, and providing our seniors with opportunities to connect with the digital world,” he said.
Chow said that the state government also has been actively investing in smart transportation solutions, with a focus on alleviating traffic congestion, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall mobility.
He added that long-term initiatives such as the Penang Transport Master Plan, the expansion of the state public transportation network and the integration of smart mobility solutions are already yielding promising results.
Speaking about the programme, Praba said it is the first Touch ‘n Go roadshow in Penang.
He said the objective is to promote tech awareness about Touch ‘n Go initiatives including its app (TnG e-wallet) that benefit the users.
“The roadshow will run from now till December 2023 across multiple locations in Penang island and Seberang Perai. The roadshow aims to introduce seamless mobility solutions to Penangites, in the form of Touch ‘n Go RFID and enhanced Touch ‘n Go card.
“A specially fitted mobile van will be parked at key locations and Penangites will be able to enjoy special campaign offers on RFID tags as well as purchase exclusive Touch ‘n Go bundle sets consisting of one RFID tag and an enhanced Touch ‘n Go card,” he said.
Chow commended Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd for its commitment to advancing the cause of integrated mobility and tech awareness as part of its corporate social responsibility.
He also encouraged Penangites to take this opportunity to experience the convenience of integrated mobility offered by Touch ‘n Go.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud