Literate people, we are approaching the end of 2021. Tomorrow we will take a step into the new year 2022 and surely all the memories of the previous year, whether beautiful or bitter, are firmly embedded into the folds of history that mature us.
Hopefully the arrival of 2022 will give a new commitment to all the people of Penang and be a rising point to jointly revive the economy and drive our state to a higher level in line with the Vision of Penang2030: Green and Smart State Based on National Inspired Family.
Taking this opportunity, a word of appreciation to the line-up of Exco, State Assemblymen (ADUN), Members of Parliament, top leadership at various levels, the line-up of the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) at the grassroots level, industry players, civil servants and private employees, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as all the people of Penang who are always with the State Government in going through all the sorrows, especially when facing the COVID-19 pandemic until now.
The Pakatan Harapan Penang State Government administration remains committed to placing the welfare of the people as a priority. Major welfare assistance programs through i-Sejahtera amounting to RM50 million will continue to be implemented as well as the Fair Economic Agenda Assistance (BAES) to eligible household heads.
The establishment of the PgCare Society as a result of a coalition of the State Government and NGOs will also continue the role of its establishment to those affected by the pandemic in particular. In fact, plans to establish another Mutiara Foodbank operating office in the Seberang Perai area are also in full swing.
The State Government has not in any way sidelined any party from enjoying the prosperity we have created together, our focus now is necessarily to rehabilitate every socio-economic segment of the state. The State Government identifies existing development areas that are not developed or underutilized (underutilized) and makes comprehensive redevelopment plans including in the coastal areas at Weld Quay, George Town (island part) and the coastal areas of Butterworth Division near North Seberang Perai below Penang Bay Project.
In reality, we have never been complacent in exploring opportunities to diversify our investment portfolios, and taking this opportunity, many thanks to the investors who are still confident in Penang as their investment partner. The USD1 million (RM4 million) ‘Penang i4.0 Seed Fund’ initiative for the development of high-potential start-up projects especially those involved in the digital, e-commerce and Internet of Things (IoT) industries has also helped 37 local entrepreneurs.
At the same time, it is emphasized that the State Government’s stance to develop the Penang South Reclamation Project (PSR) has not changed which is very important for the future of Penang as an industrial state, international tourism and a new ‘Economic Catalyst’.
In support of the State Government’s aspiration to continue to develop highly skilled human capital to support the state’s economic diversification and maintain Penang’s position as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’, the State Government is also aware that high -performing human capital is a key factor in a society’s success.
The State Government through the Penang Tech Dome, Penang Science Cluster, Penang Digital Library and Penang Skills Development Center (PSDC) has implemented various programs to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills among school students through initiatives such as MakerLab, Coding- For-All, Penang International Science Fair and others which have benefited more than 280,000 students to date.
In fact, a total of RM2.16 million will also be channeled to Penang STEM 4.0, Penang Tech Dome and Penang Science Cluster by 2022 for the same purpose. In terms of infrastructure, the State Government is determined to ensure that the various projects planned will be implemented successfully. These include the momentum and continuity of construction projects, upgrading of roads and bridges, irrigation and drainage, flood mitigation projects and other related.
No exception is the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) and the Penang Connectivity Master Plan which will definitely benefit and benefit all the people of this state as a whole. Of course, all policies and plans that will be implemented in the future are to ensure the unity, harmony and well -being of all the people of this state can be further strengthened.
Not only in terms of investment and trade, but also governance; technology and science education; infrastructure accessibility; the development of Islamic and non -Islamic syiar; welfare as well as social; initiatives to bridge the gender gap; the proliferation of tourism and the creative economy as well as sports and youth in order to accelerate the achievements of Penang2030 (Accelerating Penang2030).
This is our ‘Hope’ for 2022. Come on! Pin the resolve, we are able to overcome whatever challenges come our way if we continue to move as a team. May the presence of 2022 inject more spirit and value for all of us. Goodbye 2021; Welcome 2022. Happy New Year to all the people of Penang that I love.
