In researching for information about the past, present and potential future of Penang, we came across “Building on Penang’s Strengths: Going Forward”, a speech given by Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Dr Lim Chong Eu at a Penang Lecture in 2005.

We felt that it would be a perfect first post in VirtualPenang.com to share the words of one of the most significant Chief Ministers of Penang.

In the 18 page speech, he shares many interesting recollections and explores ‘What Directions Penang can take as we move forward to the next phase of our development’. In addition to infrastructure, he continually emphasised on the Penang people:

It is indeed the People of Penang who have made us what we are today!

“in Penang we had a young and capable workforce who, if and when given the opportunity, could perform as well, if not better, than the workers anywhere else in the world and at a relatively cheaper cost”

However, I am confident that our work-force is more experienced, more capable
and efficient; and our management capabilities are amongst the finest in the world.

Not only must we attract back Penang/Malaysians but we must get the services of
the very best world-wide scholars to live and teach in Seberang Perai, the potential
“northern hub” for future development. To achieve this end, it will be worthwhile for us to study why the best Malaysians have been attracted to go abroad to work and teach.

If our children are to be our most important asset in the future, then the teachers of
our children must be given the best inducements, during the period of their training and in the course of their service.

All of you who agree with me that the people of Penang have contributed greatly to
build the Unity and sustain the Peace in our nation, will appreciate that most of them are now approaching their sixties and beyond…. I consider that the senior citizens in Penang could be given better social facilities and care.

Penang Leads! used to be a slogan even before we became Malaysians.

Penang Boleh! is the cry we hear today.

Driven by this “Penang Boleh” spirit, VirtualPenang.com hopes to show that Penangites can also be leaders in the Virtual World.

Download a printable PDF copy of the 18 page lecture on “Building on Penang’s Strengths: Going Forward”
by Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Dr Lim Chong Eu.

“Building on Penang’s Strengths: Going Forward”and other Seminar Papers can also be downloaded from the Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute’s website.

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