By V. Sivaji
The official launch ceremony of the Virtual Island of Penang (VIP) platform was held at the Royale Chulan Penang earlier this morning.
Present at the ceremony was Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister II YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, State Exco for Infrastructure and Transport YB Zairil Khir Johari, State Exco for Local Government, Rural and Town Planning YB H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang Island City Council Mayor Dato A Rajendran, Town Planner, Mohd Bashir Sulaiman and other MBPP representatives.
In his opening address, Chow conveyed his highest appreciation and congratulations to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for organizing the Launch Ceremony of the Digital Transformation initiative – the Virtual Island of Penang or VIP.
“This initiative is a significant strategic step in establishing Penang as a modern, sustainable and competitive state, especially in the face of an increasingly challenging and dynamic economic and digital technology landscape.
“It also reflects the State Government’s continued commitment to strengthening the digital transformation agenda for the benefit of the people and the holistic sustainability of the state’s development.
“I am very proud of the leadership of the Mayor of MBPP and the entire team who have spearheaded this important initiative. This effort not only strengthens the state’s digital ecosystem but also demonstrates MBPP’s earnest commitment to supporting the State Government’s aspirations to ensure that Penang remains relevant, competitive, and a leader at both the regional and global levels,” said Chpw.
He added that through the VIP implementation it will help Accelerate the adoption of smart technology in service delivery, Enhance urban management efficiency, Facilitate virtual interaction between local authorities and the community; Support the growth of the state’s digital economy and strengthen Penang’s competitiveness as a regional innovation and technology hub.
“Today, with the launch of the Virtual Island of Penang (VIP), we take yet another step forward in strengthening public service delivery through a digital approach. This initiative not only supports systematic urban planning but also serves as an effective, transparent, and people-friendly communication medium,” added Chow.
Meanwhile, the launch also witnessed a speech by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) founder, Jack Dangermond who praised Penang for implementing the system and its far reaching benefits.
Mayor Rajendran in turn said that it is a historic moment in MBPP’s digital journey and the ongoing digital revolution happening across the world.
“Today, we witnessed the official launch of the Virtual Island of Penang (VIP) – a premier initiative comprising 10 smart modules developed by MBPP to enhance its service delivery to the people of Penang and to place us on the path toward becoming a smart city.
“In fact, MBPP is fully aware that, today, digital transformation has enabled us to achieve various aspirations and helps us fulfill our responsibilities – such as becoming a progressive, sustainable, livable, competitive, resilient, smart, and green city – in response to the Penang2030 vision,” he added.