ADUN SPEAKS | There seems to be no end to controversial news for Penang. The once-famous Penang hawkers are fighting for survival. The disputes over the George Town ferry and the Sungai Muda water supply, as well as the lack of Unesco recognition for Penang hawker culture, have been dispiriting.

To top it all off, the Sony production plant closed recently, after 36 years in Bayan Lepas, causing a loss of 3,000 jobs. Some businesspersons and corporations may be wondering: why invest in Penang? To them, I say, why not?

There is a Malay saying, jika takut dilambung ombak, jangan berumah di tepi pantai. If one is afraid of the waves, do not dwell by the sea. Since its roots as a trading port famous for its food, petty traders and seafarers, Penang has never been afraid of waves of disruption.

Be it industrial globalisation in the 70s and 80s or the dotcom boom of the 90s and 2000s, Penang has always come out on top.

Here’s why Penang will surf, not drown in the Covid-19 disruption of digital, trade and values...