Speech at The Institution of Engineers Malaysia(Penang Branch) 46th Annual Dinner

THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MALAYSIA (Penang Branch) 46th Annual Dinner at Hotel Equatorial 29th Nov 2013

Congratulations to The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (Penang Branch) for celebrating 46th Anniversary and the Organizing Chairman Ir Yau Ann Nian and committee for the successful Annual Dinner.

The engineering fraternity is always the catalyst for sustainable growth and advance the engineering competitiveness. On behalf of the State Government, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to The Institution of Engineers (Penang Branch) and all the engineers who have contributed towards promoting Penang as a centre of engineering excellence to the global community.

The Penang State Government has planned for major infrastructure projects to boost Penang State to achieve International City status. Batu Kawan Integrated Industrial Park will be another catalyst to boost the State economy. The engineering fraternity will play an active role to complement the State Government efforts to meet the economy and industrial objectives. It will be another advantage if the engineering fraternity can focus on sustainable Green Infrastructure in the State. Penang State can be the leading high technology industry hub as well as the first green state of Malaysia. Therefore, the engineers must be ready to construct green and intelligent buildings.

I am indeed impressed with The Institution of Engineers (Penang Branch) participation in various State Working Committee such as Penang Advisory Board, PSAP, SPEAD, Heritage Conservation, Penang Hill Advisory Panel and the Penang State Commission of Inquiry into Civil Structures Failures at Menara UMNO and the ramp of the 2nd bridge. Your strong representation and technical advisors are deeply are valued and we urge your members of your Institutions to continue assisting the State especially on the building and construction safety measures. We must not forget that your professional success is due not only to your undoubted competence but also to your integrity.

Penang is now cleaner, greener and safer due to State Government implementing C.A.T. (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) system, a positive work ethic, integrity as well as inculcating a team spirit that seeks collaboration from all sectors and professional bodies. The future is in manufacturing services and tourism sector – all which requires the services of honest and competent engineers to handle projects worth more than RM10 billion. That is the reason despite having 30,000 engineers , Penang is still short of qualified engineers.

On behalf of the state government, I wish to acknowledge and thank the support given by The Institution of Engineers and I look forward to the meaningful contribution from engineers in helping to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city.

Finally, I wish you all have a great evening and Happy Holidays

Enjoy the dinner! THANK YOU!