Latest news with #Penang2030Vision


New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang eyes AI as key driver for economic growth, competitiveness
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is prioritising artificial intelligence (AI) as a core driver to enhance long-term economic competitiveness and sustainability under its innovation-led development strategy. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said AI will be pivotal in advancing digital education, improving smart public services and fostering entrepreneurship under the Penang2030 Vision, themed 'A Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.' "Penang has long been a national technology hub. As we shift to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, AI is critical for sustained growth and global relevance," he said at the launch of AI Horizon 2025 today. The initiative is backed by the upcoming Penang Digital Economy Master Plan 2025–2030, which focuses on business digitalisation, talent development, as well as strengthening the startup and high-tech ecosystem, including AI hubs, data centres and tech incubators. Also present was Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, chair of the state's Human Capital Development, Science and Technology Committee. Chow noted the initiative aligns with the federal government's goal under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to establish Malaysia as a regional AI leader by 2030. "The digital future cannot wait. AI must be embraced beyond professionals and introduced early in schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and universities," he said. Chow also praised the strong turnout at AI Horizon 2025 as a sign of public readiness to embrace AI technology. Organised by Tech Dome Penang in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), HRD Corp, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the State Education Department (JPNPP), and Penang STEM, the one-day event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and educators to accelerate AI adoption at national and global levels. The event featured more than 50 local and international tech firms and over 50 strategic partners, with activities including youth AI competitions, a young engineers' programme, expert panels, public forums, and exhibitions by multinationals, small and medium enterprises, and local startups showcasing AI innovations.

Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Eyes AI As Key Driver For Economic Growth, Competitiveness
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- Penang is prioritising artificial intelligence (AI) as a core driver to enhance long-term economic competitiveness and sustainability under its innovation-led development strategy. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said AI will be pivotal in advancing digital education, improving smart public services and fostering entrepreneurship under the Penang2030 Vision, themed 'A Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.' 'Penang has long been a national technology hub. As we shift to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, AI is critical for sustained growth and global relevance,' he said at the launch of AI Horizon 2025 today. The initiative is backed by the upcoming Penang Digital Economy Master Plan 2025–2030, which focuses on business digitalisation, talent development, as well as strengthening the startup and high-tech ecosystem, including AI hubs, data centres and tech incubators. Also present was Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, chair of the state's Human Capital Development, Science and Technology Committee. Chow noted the initiative aligns with the federal government's goal under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to establish Malaysia as a regional AI leader by 2030. 'The digital future cannot wait. AI must be embraced beyond professionals and introduced early in schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and universities,' he said. Chow also praised the strong turnout at AI Horizon 2025 as a sign of public readiness to embrace AI technology. Organised by Tech Dome Penang in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), HRD Corp, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the State Education Department (JPNPP), and Penang STEM, the one-day event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and educators to accelerate AI adoption at national and global levels.


The Star
03-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang2030 key targets 80% achieved, says CM
Penang2030 Vision is on track, with 80% of its key targets already at various stages, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Long-term projects like the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line and Silicon Island, he said were progressing and could be considered part of the completed targets once approvals were in place. 'I look at it as 80% achieved. It may take time to complete but we look at it as being achieved as it is moving forward. 'Under the Penang2030 vision, some of it has been achieved while some are in the process of being carried out and some need to be updated to change with the times.' He added that even after his term as Chief Minister ends, some projects would not be completed, but there would be a strong foundation. 'The coming administration will not need to start from the ground up,' said Chow in a press conference at his office to launch a series of short videos showing the impact of the Penang2030 vision. The series titled 'Penang2030: Seiring Sehati' (Together in unity and spirit), comprised 12 short videos, each showcasing stories of Penang citizens from diverse backgrounds - from fishermen to entrepreneurs and homemakers to youth - whose lives have been enhanced through the implementation of policies and initiatives under the Penang2030 roadmap. Among the stories highlighted were of a family who lost their home due to severe coastal erosion and received support from the state government enabling them to secure affordable housing. Chow said the video series was a meaningful initiative that documented the experiences of Penangites from all walks of life. 'These videos cover a wide range of critical areas such as welfare, housing, local governance, institutional reform, tourism, infrastructure, Islamic development, youth and sports, agriculture, education and entrepreneurship. 'The stories not only affirm the effectiveness of state policies, but build a new narrative that everyone, regardless of background, deserves a second chance and a brighter future,' he said. Chow said Penang2030, introduced in 2018, was more than just a strategic roadmap as it was a vision rooted in shared prosperity, sustainability, social well-being and inclusivity. 'To some, it may have once seemed like a distant, abstract ambition but I want to stress that Penang2030 is not politically driven. 'It has become a reality that is helping in our daily lives from social policy and economic development to improvements in public infrastructure, education, healthcare, digital innovation and community welfare,' he said.

The Star
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
5,000 expected at festival in Kg Agong
Chow (sixth from right) at the Penang2030 Festival press conference to be organised in conjunction with Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025 on July 12 in Kampung Agong. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star July 12 event to celebrate heritage and innovation MORE than 5,000 people are expected to attend Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025 at Kampung Agong in Penaga. The festival, set for July 12, combines the annual Penang2030 celebration with Seberang Perai Heritage Day. The event aims to preserve cultural heritage, promote family participation and build stronger community ties in rural areas. It is a collaboration between the Chief Minister's Office (Penang2030 Unit), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Tech Dome Penang and Penang Green Council (PGC). 'This joint effort is aligned with the state's Penang2030 Vision – to build a 'Smart and Green State Inspired by a Family-Focused Approach',' said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at a press conference at Komtar. He said this year marked the seventh anniversary of the Penang2030 Vision. Activities lined up for the festival on Penang mainland include a mix of cultural showcases and modern tech experiences. Among the highlights are science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities and workshops by Tech Dome Penang, including stargazing and giant bubble-making, Maker Space by MBPP for creative innovation, and sustainability workshops by PGC. Other activities are traditional performances and workshops such as batik painting, silat and wayang kulit, as well as traditional games like sepak raga bulatan. The event is also supported by state agencies and community groups such as Penang Social Welfare Department, state Public Library, District Health Office and Fire and Rescue Department.


The Sun
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PHEB awards RM70,200 to Indian SPM top scorers in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 167 high-achieving Indian students in Penang who excelled in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination received contributions amounting to RM70,200 from the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB). Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the students, who scored 7As and above across 37 schools, reflect the state government's continued commitment to educational development. 'I believe every young person in Penang has great potential to succeed, provided they remain committed and seize the opportunities for guidance and support available to them. 'The state government continues to prioritise human capital development as outlined in the Penang2030 Vision, with a key focus on enhancing access to quality education for all,' he said during the PHEB Education Carnival for SPM and STPM leavers and the 2024 SPM top scorer appreciation ceremony today. Also present were PHEB chairman RSN Rayer and his deputy, A Lingeshwaran. Meanwhile, Lingeshwaran said this marks the second consecutive year the board has recognised outstanding Indian students in Penang, with each of them receiving RM50 for every A obtained in the SPM examination. He added that between 2023 and May 2025, PHEB has channelled a total of RM883,607 towards educational aid for students pursuing certificate, diploma and degree programmes, as well as welfare assistance. 'Last year, PHEB received an allocation of RM1.5 million from the state government. This year, the amount has increased to RM2 million. 'We hope these funds will continue to benefit the Indian community in Penang, especially our youth pursuing education,' he said.