SPEECH BY
YB DATO’ SRI PETER CHIN FAH KUI
MINISTER OF ENERGY, GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND WATER
AT THE TANJONG ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS (TESA)
PRESENTATION CEREMONY
Thursday, 15 December 2011, 11.30 am
Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur

Y.Bhg Datuk Loo Took Gee
Secretary General,
Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water

Yang Berusaha Dr. Ong Peng Su
Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of Powertek Berhad

Distinguished Guests

Scholars

Members of the Media

Ladies and Gentlemen

Selamat Pagi, Salam Sejahtera and Salam 1Malaysia

1.    It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the presentation ceremony of the inaugural Tanjong Energy Scholarship Awards. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Powertek Berhad, for inviting me to officiate at this meaningful event. Although this is my first time in officiating this programme, I am heartened to be informed that this is the 15th year that the Powertek Group has supported deserving students with scholarships. Today’s occasion is truly befitting the theme of Budget 2012 – Welfare for the Rakyat, Well-being of the Nation. Scholarship programmes, such as the Tanjong Energy Scholarship Awards funded by Powertek, have opened up many windows of opportunity for gifted students, allowing talented individuals the chance to pursue their tertiary education and contributing to their professional development.

 
Ladies and Gentlemen

2.    Education has long been viewed as one of the most critical drivers of a developed nation. The Government’s vision to become a developed and high-income country by 2020, propelled by a highly-skilled, creative and innovative workforce can only be realised through nurturing the minds of young Malaysians. To this end, the Government has implemented a number of initiatives under the Economic Transformation Programme aimed at providing quality education that is accessible to all. The Government’s allocation of RM50.2 billion in Budget 2012 to the education sector clearly exemplifies this fact.

3.    Although the Government is the prime mover in the education process of our future generations, private sector initiatives such as the Tanjong Energy Scholarship Awards (TESA) programme need to be encouraged in order for our nation to become a knowledge-based society and economy. After all, it is only through higher learning that Malaysia’s youth will be able to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to add value to our nation. It is truly laudable that Powertek has taken on the role of a responsible corporate entity, enabling Malaysia’s youth to achieve a brighter future. I am also pleased to note that Powertek has implemented an Undergraduate Development Programme for their scholars during their long semester break. This is indeed a wonderful idea as students get to utilise their free time in a productive manner while expanding their skillset which is certainly necessary in today’s increasingly competitive environment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

4.    As the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of encouraging greater awareness on environmental issues and for Malaysia to be able to develop the capacity for green technology solutions. The launch of Malaysia’s Green Technology policy by the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia in July 2009 marked an important milestone in our country’s journey to the future, as we take cognizance of the need for better and more efficient use of technology which will also be less harmful to the environment. Green technology has since been identified as one of the important drivers of economic growth that will facilitate the development of knowledge society.

5.    However, the responsibility to save the environment is not only on the shoulders of the government. Every one has a part to play. All of you here are the future leaders of this blessed nation of ours and I urge you to start taking a proactive stand in contributing to the creation and sustenance of a better tomorrow through green technology. With your talents, you could play a meaningful role in realising the national green technology agenda.

6.    On our part, the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water has undertaken numerous programmes for the benefit of the community, with a view to promoting green awareness and green technology to the general public. My Ministry is also working closely with the Association of Independent Power Producers to bring the green agenda to schools through the Green Schools Campaign. The Green Schools Campaign is aimed at creating greater awareness and appreciation for green and sustainable technologies amongst school children through the installation of grid-connected Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems at selected schools.

7.    I hope that the power industry will continue to contribute to Malaysia’s energy needs in an environmentally friendly manner, positively impacting the communities that it operates in. In order for the nation to develop further, sustainability must be the driving force behind our growth to promote a greener future for Malaysia and create a lasting legacy for our future generations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

8.    As I stand here before you, I see the faces of young, bright students who hold so much promise. To you, I say all the best in your quest to realise your dreams and aspirations. Be proud and take strength in the fact that this scholarship awarded to you today will open many doors for you. To the new graduates, my heartiest congratulations on your achievements, and may you continue to grow by leaps and bounds as you journey through this next phase of your lives.

9.    Before I conclude, I would like to congratulate Powertek for setting up this noble cause to benefit these students and for recognising their talents. Once again, my sincere thanks to Powertek for inviting me to this event. It is indeed refreshing to be in the company of so many bright young Malaysians.

Thank you.