Good morning and good to see everyone here this morning. We will be witnessing yet another significant milestone towards Penang2030 vision later here today and I hope this is the beginning of many similar collaborations to come.
Today’s MOU signing between Penang Green Council, Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) portrays that diversity in profession can also bring everyone together if we all have one common goal. In this instance, Penang Green Council for the past 12 years have fought effortlessly alongside the Penang State government to foster green and sustainable practices to all Penangites through behavioural and mindset shift whilst both PAM and IEM, as professional bodies have also slowly shifted their practices to include the environment in their decision-making processes. Nevertheless, the differences, one common effort for the environment has brought everyone together today.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Malaysia’s commitment as a net zero nation by 2050 will be a shared vision across all sectors in Malaysia. In Penang, we are guided by the Penang2030 vision. As part of it, we will work towards advancing the readiness of our local manufacturing industries for the digital age and green economy. As we all know, Penang is the second highest contributor among all states in the country with an approved manufacturing investments for 135 projects totaling up to RM13.7 billion in 2022. As the northern Silicon Valley of Malaysia, E&E sector plays a crucial role in our economy as a state. To keep up, we also need to ensure our municipal services are equipped adequately with smart technologies in order to provide facilities and support to Penang’s fast-moving pace.
The state government, through Penang Green Council, has kickstarted 2 projects: the Penang Green Industry Programme (PGIP), and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (RE & EE). PGIP aims to drive local businesses to align with the global ESG trend (Environmental, Social, and Governance), promoting sustainability and responsible practices. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) represents key factors businesses use to assess and report their sustainability and ethical practices. It includes environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Companies that prioritize ESG tend to perform better in the long term and attract investors, customers, and employees who value responsible and ethical business practices.
As for RE & EE, Penang will have state-level targets and will be introducing state-specific RE or EE policy except indirectly through green building guidelines. Through this Penang will assist the Federal target of renewable energy providing 31% (13 gigawatts) of the nation’s energy needs by 2025 and 40% (18 gigawatts) by 2035.
Hence, ladies and gentlemen,
Being able to witness this remarkable milestone between PGC, PAM and IEM is my honor. I hope to see more collaborations like these taking place in the new future.
Thank you and Love Penang.