THE Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia will soon establish its very own campus in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan — a transformative initiative aimed at integrating education, healthcare, volunteerism, and ecological stewardship under one unified space.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the groundbreaking ceremony this morning, said the upcoming development spans a remarkable 60.03 acres — a testament to the scale and ambition of the project.
“The size alone speaks volumes about the long-term vision behind this initiative.
“Once completed, this campus will stand as a beacon of holistic development, cultivating civic consciousness and fostering a compassionate society — one that places equal value on people, purpose, and progress,” Chow said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Penang Development Corporation (PDC) chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar, Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia chief executive officer Koay Ji-Yuan and Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia (Penang) commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong.
Chow highlighted that Batu Kawan has rapidly evolved into one of Penang’s most dynamic growth corridors, boasting high-tech industrial parks, educational institutions, residential communities, and commercial developments.
“With the establishment of the Tzu Chi Campus, we are introducing a new and vital dimension to Batu Kawan’s landscape — a space that champions human values, in perfect alignment with our Penang2030 vision.
“As chief minister, I have always believed that Penang’s future extends across the bridge, into Seberang Perai. Today’s event and this initiative reinforce that belief.
“This project epitomises our aspiration to build a state that nurtures balanced, meaningful lives,” he said.
Chow added that the state government, together with PDC, is proud to support this meaningful undertaking.
He said for progress to be truly sustainable, it was important to invest not only in infrastructure, but also in people and values.
Chow ecpressed hope that the campus would stand as a lasting symbol of what could be achieved together — a place of learning, healing, and unity for generations to come.
Meanwhile, Koay Ji-Yuan expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Penang government for its unwavering support, especially in allocating the land needed for the campus.
“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to make this vision a reality with the state’s full backing,” Koay said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis