(June 18, 2022)

Mr. Chen Wei, Joint Managing Director of China Harbour Southern Pacific Division,

Mr. Allan Shi Bingfeng, General Manager of Penang 275kV Cross-Sea Transmission Line Project,

Heads and employees of CHEC, 

Good morning! I am very glad to attend the opening ceremony of the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Penang 275kV Cross-Sea Transmission Line Project. First of all, on behalf of the Consulate General of China in Penang, I would like to extend congratulations on the establishment of the project department!   

After nearly 30 years of development, CHEC Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. has achieved fruitful results, and plays an active role in promoting infrastructure construction in Malaysia and deepening China-Malaysia pragmatic cooperation. Penang Second Bridge started construction in 2008, and was officially opened to traffic in 2014. It is an outstanding masterpiece of CHEC project built in Malaysia, and also the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia. The completion and opening of Penang Second Bridge is of great significance to local transportation, people’s travel, as well as economic and social development. At the same time, as the then largest cooperation project between China and Malaysia, it has also promoted cooperation between the two countries to a new level. The project has won many national science and technology innovation awards of China and many Chinese and international civil engineering awards. The relevant knowledge of the above achievements have been absorbed and used by Chinese enterprises for reference in their projects of constructing similar bridges all over the world. CHEC Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. has made technical innovations in the design and construction of the Penang Second Bridge project, and has also trained and cultivated engineering teams and talents that are familiar with overseas project and business. Hence, it has laid a solid foundation for the further implementation of the “go global” strategy of CHEC. I hereby would like to extend congratulations to the achievements of CHEC Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd.! 

This year marks the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, and bilateral relations between the two countries have continued to develop steadily. Despite the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, China-Malaysia bilateral trade and investment had kept growing. In 2021, China-Malaysia bilateral trade hit a record high, with China being Malaysia's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, demonstrating the resilience and potential of the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. Malaysia is one of the first countries to support and participate in the Belt and Road cooperation. The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is an important project of the Belt and Road cooperation with the participation of CHEC Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. in its construction work. As an “land bridge” connecting the east and west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, ECRL will certainly promote the economic development of the east coast region and the whole country, and will also promote Belt and Road cooperation and the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia to grow in depth and substance. 

Each of the employee present at the ceremony is participating in and working for the pragmatic cooperation between China and Malaysia. On behalf of the Consulate General of China in Penang, I would like to extend my heartfelt regards to all of you who are working hard on the front line of overseas project, and thank you for your diligent dedication and positive contributions to the friendly cooperation between China and Malaysia! I hope that you will be able to overcome all difficulties, strive for achievement, and make every effort to ensure production safety and personnel safety in the Penang 275kV Cross-Sea Transmission Line Project. I also expect you to inherit and carry forward the glorious traditions of the predecessors, and achieve more breakthroughs in technological innovation and the scientific and technological advancement so as to complete another masterpiece of CHEC. Chinese Consulate General in Penang practices the principle of people-centered diplomacy, and always cares and pays attention to all of you. Chinese Consulate General will continue to provide necessary consular protection and services for Chinese citizens in the consular district as always, render support and assistance for the sustainable development of Chinese enterprises in the consular district, and promote the exchanges and cooperation between China and Malaysia.  

Last but not least, I wish CHEC Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. great success and a prosperous future! I wish the Penang 275kV Cross-Sea Transmission Line Project a smooth and safe construction! I hope that everyone will continue to take preventive measures against the pandemic, stay safe and healthy.