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IN AN attempt to “intertwine” Penang’s economy with the “rest of the world”, last week saw Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng officiating the Penang Investment Tourism Office (PITO) in Singapore. “Singapore is the most appropriate choice for Penang’s first venture overseas not just for its importance in terms of investments and tourism but also our shared history and cultural links.” The setup of PITO will help Penang to reach out to potential investors from all over the world. He also emphasised that tourism, medical tourism, education and heritage are the “green fields” of growth for Penang. Read here and here
CM Lim, who also presented the keynote address at the Penang Outlook Forum 2010 in the island state, jointly organised by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore, and the Socio-economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI), Penang, stated that the state will focus on human resources. This is in order to propel the state forward as an international city with a high-income and knowledge economy and to make this a reality, Penang must therefore step up regional engagement, cooperation and collaboration.
“With new emerging economies such as Vietnam and India fast becoming major competitors to Malaysia, Penang must develop a tangible plan that provides a vision for the state...This industrial blueprint must develop a positive environment that will attract the investments required for sustaining growth and revitalising the state's economy to its fullest potential.” Read here In related news, the state government had also sent out a global invitation to develop Fort Cornwallis into a destination for high-value tourists. “We want a world-class product that can raise Penang’s profile internationally.” CM Lim stated. Read here
Meanwhile, in another step to find “innovative” tourism products for Penang, the state moved to to re-issue a request for proposal (ROP) to redevelop and run the famed hilltop heritage “Crag Hotel” on Penang Hill. Marina Emmanuel in the Business Times article, “Crag Hotel revival needs major financial commitment” stated that while the move was to be commended, an overall masterplan that incorporates all elements to preserve the outstanding value of the hill must first be shaped. Read here
Other news ‘Ancient’ vessel sails in: The Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a ninth century Arabian ship, arrived triumphantly at Penang Port last week. Read here Penang government gather community feedback on greening project: The Penang government will be carrying out a short survey from June 10 to 12 along Carnavon street for its greening project involving the street, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Read here Permatang Pauh voter-base increased by 2,817 after 2008 GE - EC: The Election Commission's (EC) Penang branch on Friday announced that the number of registered voters in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency stood at 61,266 as of March this year. Read here Penang government firm on its decision to ban sports betting: Penang government would stand by its decision not to allow sports betting in the state. Read here Tree house torn down at last amid drama: The fate of the controversial Do Re Mi tree house cafe in Tanjung Bungah, which had hung in the balance for the last four months, finally came to an end when it was demolished but not without some dramatic moments. Read here
For more news on Penang from May 31 to June 6, 2010 , please click here
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