Good morning and a warm welcome to everyone!
Today, we are gathered here once again in anticipation of an exciting upcoming event in Penang – the Penang International Green Conference & Exhibition 2019 (PGIGCE). This is an annual event for Penang Green Council (PGC), a state agency who organises this public event to enhance the growth of Penang state as a green and smart city. Together with our joint organiser, the Malaysian Green Building Confederation (MGBC) Northern Chapter, we look forward to driving the economic growth as well as making our Penang a sustainable and even more enviable state through this meaningful event.
In 2018, the state government launched the Penang 2030 vision which has the aim of altering sociological, political, economic and cultural spheres of the state in slightly more than a decade. This vision is an inclusive and holistic action plan which serves to inspire our nation by taking Penang state to new heights as the first green state in our country. It is, by far the first written vision the State has come up with. In the years to come, it will set clearer directions for Penang to achieve these goals.
The state government is aware that there is no alternative to a balanced development. Our economy needs to develop along with the conservation of our environment and planet. A well-kept balance between economic growth and ecological protection is our goal towards a green state for all. We, therefore, must invest wisely and effectively in new digital world to ensure that our city is well-equipped to increase the liveability, while at the same time, improving its resilience.
PGIGCE is a platform for enlightenment, discussion, and sharing of innovative ideas. Aligned with the theme this year: Penang Green and Smart City, our focus is to enhance the quality of life through green and smart city planning and execution in Penang while increasing public awareness in tackling environmental issues.
We have a total of 69 exhibiting booths in this 3 days event at Gurney Paragon Mall from the 27th to the 29th of September 2019. We are grateful to all sponsors and exhibitors who are on the same page as us, believing and striving to make Penang a greener place to be. I believe that we are here today, not only to share more on green knowledge, but everyone here is keen and committed to save our beloved Earth.
On top of that, we have invited the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC), YB Yeo Bee Yin to join us at the opening ceremony and to be the keynote speaker for the green conference on the 28th September. Experts in the industry of green and smart cities including Allan Han Huei Teo (WorldGBC – APN Regional Head) and Dato’ AR Yew Tung Seang (Mayor of City Council of Penang Island) will also be invited to share their knowledge during the one day conference.
To promote a greener and healthier lifestyle, MGBC Eco Power Run IV – I Green PENANG Run 2019 which will be held on 29th September (Sunday) at 7.30am, encourages the participants to wear their own green-coloured T-shirt during the 5.1km plogging fun run to avoid fabric pollution. Besides turning unused wood into unique recycled wooden medals for participants, the run is organised based on paperless registration and exciting lucky draw prizes await the participants after the run, including 2 nos of Iron Man robots as the grand prize. Drinks will be served in edible cups made from seaweed as a movement to replace single use plastic cups. So register now until 15th of September 2019.
As Penang 2030 vision also focuses to achieve a “Family-focused, Green and Smart State”, we welcome parents and children to join our activities at PGIGCE, such as Little Green Chef, Sand Art competition, Grab A Free Plant, Rs Corner for recycling items collection, interactive games, fun workshops and performances from school kids. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet and greet Cruzr, an intelligent humanoid robot and the rest of our robotic friends too!
So mark your calendar and spend your weekend with us at PGIGCE! Join us in discovering ways to turn our beloved city into a highly sustainable and green state. Be part of this event, be focused in the green learning and expand your meaningful networks.
See you all there!