THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has officially entered an agreement to collectively promote Penang as an Age-Friendly City with Asia Trade Exposition (ATE) in the upcoming Malaysia 50+ Expo 2024 programme from Oct 26 to 27.
Set to take place at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, the two-day programme will feature a diverse range of exhibitors and experts promoting services and facilities for retirement purposes.
MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong described the expo as a timely programme to provide choices for the elderly population in Penang as they approach retirement.
“I am honoured that MBPP will be collaborating with ATE in this expo, and I understand the main objective of this expo is to create a platform to meet the needs of the ageing population in Penang.
“This expo also meets the needs of our domain for the Age-Friendly City and today’s event highlights our support to provide the best of services for the relevant age groups in Penang.
“I hope this collaboration will be a great success, and that it will benefit the ageing society in Penang by allowing them to live confidently,” Cheong said in his speech during the agreement signing ceremony at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas on Aug 5.
The agreement, signed by Cheong and ATE managing director Selina Goh, was witnessed by industry experts from Penang and as far as Kuala Lumpur.
In a related development, Cheong also shared that Penang was officially declared an Age-Friendly City after MBPP became a member of the Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities on July 28, 2023.
Goh said that the expo is more than just an event; it is a timely response to the evolving needs of the ageing population.
“As Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation, the need for comprehensive retirement planning and lifestyle solutions become increasingly critical.
“By bringing together a diverse range of exhibitors, experts and resources, we aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to plan for their future and enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
“This expo is your ultimate guide to navigating this new chapter in life, empowering the mature citizens of Penang to embrace their golden years with confidence and purpose,” she said in her speech.
Goh also mentioned that the first Malaysia+ Expo in Shah Alam in March this year was a resounding success, drawing over seven thousand visitors.
Also present during the event was Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar