Penang Showcasing Investment Opportunities At Global Tamil Entrepreneurs And Professionals Summit
BUTTERWORTH, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The 15th Global Summit of Tamil Entrepreneurs and Professionals, which is held in Penang, provides a significant opportunity to promote the state as a strategic investment destination and serve as a platform for connecting entrepreneurs.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the presence of prominent business leaders at the annual event highlights Penang’s economic potential, at the same time attracting investors and entrepreneurs to explore future investment opportunities.
“A conference such as this is not just a tourism product; it allows participants to see Malaysia and the state as attractive investment destinations for various sectors, including technology, business, manufacturing, and agriculture.
“Bilateral relations between Malaysia and India are very strong, and I hope this conference will further raise Malaysia’s profile, especially Penang,” he told reporters after officiating the summit at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth here tonight.
Also present were Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo and Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) Malaysia president and chairman of the 15th Global Summit of Tamil Entrepreneurs and Professionals, Datuk Saravanan M. Sinapan.
The global summit is being held in Penang for the first time, and marked the third time that the event has been held in Malaysia.
Earlier in his speech, Chow said the summit reflects the Tamil vision of unity, peace, and shared prosperity, with Tamil entrepreneurs playing a key role in Penang’s progress and in shaping an innovation-led future economy.
“For Penang, where the Tamil community makes up over eight per cent of our population, this is more than an event. It is a celebration of a community that has, for generations, been a cornerstone of our progress.
“Tamil entrepreneurs have built businesses, advanced education, strengthened our technology base, and enriched public life with grit, adaptability, and vision - qualities the world needs now more than ever,” he said.
Hosting this summit, he added, is not only an honour but also a statement of Penang’s openness to ideas, partnerships, and business opportunities.
“We want Tamil entrepreneurs everywhere to see Penang not only as a place of opportunity, but as a home — a launchpad into ASEAN, a hub for innovation, and a place where ambitions take root and flourish,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saravanan said the summit aims to position Penang as a gateway to ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific for industries and businesses.
He said several online programmes were held leading up to the conference, during which many entrepreneurs and merchants had expressed their interest in supporting and investing in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor.
“I believe this programme benefits local participants, given that 186 of the delegates are from Malaysia.
“It is not easy to gather 650 delegates from 30 countries in one place; thus, this event is a gateway to building international networks that can generate income and create more job opportunities in the state,” he said.
—BERNAMA