Penang Institute’s Forum on Leadership and Governance (FLAG), alongside TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak, hosted the Second Bel Retiro Roundtable 2024 at Seri Mutiara, themed “Penang’s Infrastructure Beyond 2050.”
The event featured YB Zairil Khir Johari, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital, who delivered the keynote address, and Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng, Executive Director of Penang Institute, as moderator. Esteemed panelists and participants engaged in dynamic discussions, focusing on accessibility, mobility, and advancements in blue ocean and green technology. The presenters this year included Dr Muhammed Khalid, Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhi, Mr Allen Tan, Mr Mei Chee Seong, Mr John Bulcock, Encik Joe Sidek, Mr Soo Hoo Khoon Yean, Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed and Dr Ng Shin Wei. Penang Institute’s organising staff were Dr Beh May Ting (MC), Dr Tan Lee Ooi (Curator) and Dr Fauwaz Abdul Aziz (Rapporteur).
The roundtable fostered forward-thinking dialogue on how Penang can overcome future challenges and achieve sustainable growth. Intriguing ideas emerged, such as leveraging federal relations, envisioning regional integration with Sumatera and Southern Thailand, reimagining transport and connectivity to enhance the state’s resilience and inclusivity, and adopting a circular economy for Penang. A key highlight was the emphasis on leveraging Penang’s rich arts and culture to position the state as a distinctive global city. Discussions explored strategies to attract and retain talent by fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem, enhancing Penang’s “stickiness” as a place where people and ideas thrive.
Penang Institute aims to build on these ideas to develop practical approaches, ensuring Penang evolves into a prosperous, forward-looking state beyond 2050.
