Good morning, distinguished ladies and gentlemen! We extend our warmest welcome to the inaugural Penang Green Market, presented by Penang Green Council. It is our utmost delight to stand before you today as we launch this environmentally conscious market, a true embodiment of Penang’s commitment to sustainability. As you meander through the vibrant booths and discover the remarkable green endeavours showcased by our vendors, we hope your day is filled with inspiration and positive experiences.
Penang is a rich tapestry of markets, boasting a variety of options for shoppers. From the traditional wet markets to the vibrant night markets, and the trendy artisan markets that have become increasingly popular on weekends, there’s something for everyone. These artisan markets have evolved into cultural hubs where locals proudly showcase their unique and creative crafts, culinary delights, and beverages. Notably, they serve as a bridge for international visitors to immerse themselves in Penang’s rich culture and gain a deeper understanding of our community, inadvertently contributing to our flourishing tourism sector.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Penang Green Market by PGC is distinctly dedicated to green practices and initiatives. Our objective is to foster a zero-waste lifestyle among our vendors and the broader Penang community. While many weekend markets primarily concentrate on economic and social growth, we firmly believe that environmental preservation should be equally prioritized. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the Penang2030 vision unveiled by our Chief Minister of Penang in 2018, which aims to shape Penang into a Family-Focused, Green, and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.
Our core at Penang Green Market by PGC is to promote environmental education and waste reduction as we strive towards making our state a greener place for the future. To align with Theme B of Penang2030 vision, which seeks to nurture creative industries and niche business services, this green market serves as a platform to unite Penang’s green businesses and community. It facilitates the exchange of ideas and, importantly, contributes to the economic growth of Penang.
By establishing a long-term Penang Green Market, we aspire to cultivate a stronger green community, providing green entrepreneurs and businesses with a space for knowledge exchange and engagement with the public to enhance awareness of environmental protection. The heart of our planet is ticking away, and it’s up to us to give it some love by balancing our lifestyle with sustainable practices. Through this market, we can exemplify the transition from single-use plastic to reusable alternatives and endorse local businesses to reduce our carbon footprint.
Penang holds the distinction of being the first state in Malaysia to introduce ‘No Free Plastic Bag Day’ in 2009, followed by ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ in 2019. In our pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, Penang Green Market plays a pivotal role in reminding and inspiring Penangites to curb overconsumption. Waste reduction is a fundamental part of our mission, and I want to commend each of you who have taken the initiative to bring your reusable bags and containers to enjoy the food and beverages in the market today. The 17th goal of SDGs highlights the significance of “Partnership for the Goals”, which stresses the need to work together and create a green and sustainable community. So, let us come together and work towards achieving this common objective.
In this occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated Penang Green Council team for establishing this green market as a communal space, bringing together stakeholders and local businesses. This initiative offers us a unique opportunity to engage in discussions concerning our Mother Earth. While we lend our voices to environmental concerns, we simultaneously take concrete actions to create the change we wish to see.
With these sentiments, I extend my best wishes for the resounding success of the Penang Green Market by PGC. To our esteemed sponsors, dedicated vendors, and cherished visitors, we extend our gratitude for your invaluable contributions to this noble cause, may each effort we undertake serve as a beacon of inspiration, igniting empowerment within the hearts of the people of Penang.