Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow rolled out his vision 2030 for the state today, saying that the future of the state is in Seberang Perai.

Chow said the Penang channel may separate the island from the mainland but they should be seen as united as there are potential for growth and development in both sides.

In his one-hour speech at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel today, Chow said his Penang 2030 vision is meant to "inspire the nation" to greater heights.

"To be honest, if the government can inspire you, our work is easier and our achievement would be greater," he told a crowd of 500, comprising representatives from various sectors.

"Inspired populations are happy and creative, I do not want to be too boastful which is why I only use the phrase nation, but an inspired nation's impact can be far-reaching," said Chow, who is also Tanjung MP.

"If we implement our policies well, we can inspire other states and nations as well, let us be a model of the future for other states in Malaysia," added the state DAP chief.

Chow's vision comprises four themes including increasing the state's liveability to enhance the quality of life, upgrading the economy to empower people to strengthen civic participation, and investing in the built environment in the state.

Among the action plans to be implemented are addressing housing affordability and diversity, continuing to improve public safety and cleanliness, enhancing welfare and care systems and diversifying recreation sports arts and culture.

Representatives from various SMEs, MNCs, local and international civil society organisations attended the event.

Meanwhile, Chow said his vision 2030 would also try to come up with a happiness index to find out people's levels of satisfaction with government policies.

"This can be done via social media. We hope we can do it to see how people respond to our policies. The results will be made public," he said.

The slogan for Chow's vision is "Family focus, green and smart state, inspired by the nation".

"It's family focus as the family is central to everything we do, gender issues, support for young and senior citizens would be incorporated into our policy decisions.

"There will be support for young entrepreneurs and students, while inter-religious initiatives will be encouraged," Chow said.

He added that the state government will continue to carry out its clean and green policies, and he thanked Penangites for keeping the city clean.

"Dr Mahathir Mohamad, during his first stint as prime minister, had slammed Penang for being the city of rubbish (Darul Sampah), I am tempted to ask him now what is his opinion of the island.

"Penang has 12 years to realise its vision 2030. In this 12 years, we will encourage more stakeholders as everyone has a stake in Penang's future," he added.