Penang: The 15th Global Summit of Tamil Entrepreneurs and Professionals, which is held in Penang, provides a significant opportunity to promote the state as a strategic investment destination and serve as a platform for connecting entrepreneurs. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the presence of prominent business leaders at the annual event highlights Penang's economic potential, at the same time attracting investors and entrepreneurs to explore future investment opportunities. 'A conference such as this is not just a tourism product; it allows participants to see Malaysia and the state as attractive investment destinations for various sectors, including technology, business, manufacturing, and agriculture,' he stated. Bilateral relations between Malaysia and India are very strong, and Chow hopes this conference will further raise Malaysia's profile, especially Penang. He expressed these views to reporters after officiating the summit at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth. Also present were Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo and Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) Malaysia president and chairman of the 15th Global Summit of Tamil Entrepreneurs and Professionals, Datuk Saravanan M. Sinapan. The global summit is being held in Penang for the first time and marks the third time that the event has been held in Malaysia. In his speech, Chow remarked that the summit reflects the Tamil vision of unity, peace, and shared prosperity, with Tamil entrepreneurs playing a key role in Penang's progress and in shaping an innovation-led future economy. Chow noted that for Penang, where the Tamil community makes up over eight percent of the population, this is more than an event but a celebration of a community that has been a cornerstone of progress for generations. He emphasized that Tamil entrepreneurs have built businesses, advanced education, strengthened the technology base, and enriched public life with qualities th e world needs now more than ever. Hosting this summit, Chow added, is not only an honor but also a statement of Penang's openness to ideas, partnerships, and business opportunities. 'We want Tamil entrepreneurs everywhere to see Penang not only as a place of opportunity but as a home-a launchpad into ASEAN, a hub for innovation, and a place where ambitions take root and flourish,' he said. Meanwhile, Saravanan stated that the summit aims to position Penang as a gateway to ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific for industries and businesses. He highlighted that several online programs were held leading up to the conference, during which many entrepreneurs and merchants expressed their interest in supporting and investing in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor. Saravanan believes this programme benefits local participants, given that 186 of the delegates are from Malaysia. He acknowledged the challenge of gathering 650 delegates from 30 countries in one place, noting that this event serves as a gateway to building internati onal networks that can generate income and create more job opportunities in the state.