THE Penang government and the Itabashi City in Tokyo, Japan have both expressed their interest to work together to grow the Halal industry.
Penang Domestic and International Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said Penang and Japan had a strong relationship.
“There are many Japanese multinational corporations (MNCs) in Penang.
“These MNCs have helped many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Penang and engineers to grow.
“Penang has about 50 years of industrial experience.
“We are striving to move up the value chain.
“In view of the fourth industrial revolution, we welcome investments in areas such as robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things.
“We would also like to grow the Halal industry,” Abdul Halim said in his welcoming speech during a dinner reception at St Giles The Wembley Hotel on Aug 23.
Abdul Halim added that the relationship between Itabashi City in Tokyo, Japan and Penang has long been established.
“Our relationship started since 1994, when the Penang Botanic Gardens helped in the development of the Itabashi Green House Project.
“We contributed various species of tropical plants for the project back in 1995.
“Meanwhile, the Itabashi City Council through the Itabashi Commercial District Association had raised funds to help rebuild the Japanese Garden at the Penang Botanic Gardens.
“As a result of the fund raising, the Japanese Garden was built at the Penang Botanic Gardens; a symbol of friendship between Penang and Itabashi City,” he said.
Abdul Halim hoped that the friendship would continue to flourish.
Itabashi City mayor Takeshi Sakamoto thanked Abdul Halim for warm welcome.
“We look forward to work together to grow the Halal industry,” he said.
Twenty-two students from Itabashi City also attended the reception.
“These students under the Itabashi Junior Ambassador Programme will be staying with the locals here in Penang for a few days to learn more about Penang.
“We hope that Penangites can give the students their support and provide them with a valuable experience while they are here,” he said.
Also present were Abdul Halim’s wife Datin Wan Zuraida Amiruddin, Sakamoto’s wife Takae Sakamoto, Penang Education Department director Dr Mahanom Mat Sam, businessman Datuk Seri Tam Yun Tong and his wife Datin Seri Ang Hui Chin and Ginza Farm chief executive officer Kazuki Iimura.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian