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THE Penang Chief Minister has urged the private sector to strengthen their environmental social governance (ESG) credentials by working closely with the state, especially due to the rapid evolution of the global economy.
Speaking at the Penang Green Summit's awards dinner gala, Chow Kon Yeow said he wants more private organisations and firms to participate in initiatives such as the Penang Green Certification and explore new sustainable partnerships with the Penang Green Council (PGC).
Held at the newly opened Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), PGC awarded over 50 recipients for their green commitments while eight organisations were bestowed with the coveted Prime Minister's Hibiscus Awards.
Chow said that the recent trade developments, particularly with the United States (US), a key export market, marks a milestone in the country's ability to engage globally.
"For Penang, this signals trust in our capacity to innovate and trade responsibly."
Chow said that industrial and trade partners need to up their game by adopting sustainable practises in their operations to showcase value in their products and services to the global marketplace.
Although Malaysia has signed a landmark trade agreement with US, import tariffs imposed by the latter continues to hang over the trade scope between the two, while the semiconductor market remains mired in more negotiations.
To remain competitive, particularly to nations with huge emphasis on green sustainable standards, Chow said that industries need to align to show that sustainability is not merely a moral imperative - it is a strategic advantage that strengthens the state's resilience and global reputation.
PGC general manager Josephine Tan spoke about how sustainability should be seen as a way of life rather than just a regulatory requirement.
She said that Penang need not just incorporate green practises but turn the sector into a circular economy and a green - driven industry base for exports.
Among the award recipients were:
Prime Minister Hibiscus Award - State Recognition
1. Abbott Medical Device Division
2. IOI Acidchem Sdn Bhd
3. Kao Penang Group
4. Petron Malaysia Refining and Marketing
5. Sandisk Storage Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Western Digital)
6. Shan Poornam Sdn Bhd
7. Olive Tree Concepts Sdn. Bhd.
Penang Green Office (New Certification)
1. Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang - Bukit Panchor Water Treatment Plant
2. Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang - Facilities Department - Electrical Unit
(Sungai Dua)
3. ISO Technology Sdn Bhd
4. Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad
5. B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Procurement Department)
6. B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Management Board Office)
7. OA Corporate Advisory (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Meanwhile, Chow also attended the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) northern branch's 188th anniversary.
A gala dinner was held at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel, that brought together government leaders, industry captains, and business stakeholders for a chamber, which is ranked as among the oldest in the country.
Comedian Harith Iskandar performed at both dinner shows. - November 1, 2025.