THOUGH Penang lacks natural resources such as oil and gas, it can depend on its human talent to move forward.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the human capital would enable Penang to propel forward in this new century.

“We should harness the best and the brightest of our human talent and human capital. I am confident Penang will achieve the target of becoming a world-class international city.

“To be an international city, we must have international standards and adopt the best international practices,” he said in his keynote address at the Penang International Property (PIP) Summit 2010 at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA), Relau recently.

He added that Penang had to find its own niche, which were sustainable and green, to become an international city.

“More than 70% of the global population will be living in cities by the year 2050. With so many people living in cities, how do we distinguish Penang from the rest?

“I think Penang must project itself as an intelligent city for it to find its niche.

“Apart from the three traditional aspects of intelligence which are human, collective and digital intelligence, we must also have integrity intelligence and institutional intelligence,” he said.

“In short, we are looking for peace and security for the people, equal opportunity for all and democracy so that everyone can realise their potential,” he said.

The property summit, organised by PIP Creation Sdn Bhd with support from Raine & Horne International and Penevents Sdn Bhd, showcased properties from 30 exhibitors such as S P Setia, Ivory, DNP, Ideal Homes, Seal Incorporated, Plenitude and MTT.

Among the highlights was the three-day trade forum which provided critical awareness of local and regional trends in the property market.

SOURCE: The Star