Penang is gearing up for a celebration of its ambitious Vision2030 with a vibrant festival set to take place on September 21-22 at Komtar, George Town. Spearheaded by Penang’s fifth Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, Vision2030 aims to propel the state to new heights, focusing on family values, sustainability, inclusivity, and technology-driven economic growth.
Vision2030, launched in 2018, outlines Penang’s goal of becoming a developed state. The festival will highlight these objectives with a theme centred around family, green initiatives, and technology. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes of the Penang Island City Council’s CCTV control room and visit the chief minister’s office located on Level 28 of Komtar.
Chow Kon Yeow expressed enthusiasm about the festival, stating, “The public can see how the state is administered up close as Komtar will open its doors to them.” Despite some criticism questioning Vision2030’s impact and relevance, the initiative has made notable progress, with 70% of its goals achieved since its inception. The state has rolled out 304 projects addressing various areas, including housing, digital transformation, climate resilience, and gender equality.
The festival promises a range of activities, including visits to Tech Dome, which showcases cutting-edge technology, and a mobile planetarium. Visitors can enjoy traditional games, a mini personal computer fair, and industry showcases. There will also be science shows, workshops focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and an exhibition of Tesla electric vehicles.
Despite challenges and the perception that Vision2030 has not fully resonated on the mainland, where Perikatan Nasional holds significant political sway, Chow remains committed. Rahmad Isahak, a Malay activist and former DAP member, has noted that while Penang’s focus has been primarily on the island, the majority of the state’s population now resides on the mainland. Nonetheless, the Chief Minister’s office continues to work towards realising the Vision2030 goals and fostering progress across the state.
