The Penang State Legislative Assembly and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Charity Foundation held an exchange session today to discuss philanthropic values and social development during a courtesy visit led by the foundation’s chairman, Sophie Chang.

The delegation was received by Penang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, with both sides exchanging views on community welfare initiatives and potential areas of collaboration.

Also present during the session were Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, and Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng.

During the meeting, Law briefed the delegation on the Penang State Legislative Assembly, which has a history spanning decades, and outlined its functions and role in state governance.

He highlighted Penang’s strong reputation in the semiconductor sector, noting that the industry’s roots in the state date back more than 50 years, when Intel established its first overseas plant in Penang, laying the foundation for what is now known as the “Silicon Valley of the East”.

The exchange also touched on Penang’s cultural heritage and local cuisine, contributing to a cordial and engaging discussion.

He added that learning about the TSMC Charity Foundation’s mission and initiatives, including campus green programmes and child health projects, provided valuable insights that could serve as reference points for future initiatives in Penang.

Chang said philanthropy must be driven by sincerity, adding that charitable work brings true fulfilment only when it comes from the heart.

She said she has consistently taken a hands-on approach in leading charitable efforts and remains actively involved on the ground.

“Our foundation has implemented welfare programmes across Taiwan and has been active in Japan for the past two years, focusing on addressing local community and social needs,” she mentioned.

She pointed out that the foundation hopes to explore meaningful charitable projects in Penang, particularly in the education sector, while identifying potential areas for collaboration.

Heng, meanwhile, said she admired Chang’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy and described it as a reflection of compassion and resilience.

She said Penang is gradually becoming an ageing society and that ageing-related issues have been a key focus of discussions in the state assembly.

Heng welcomed the foundation’s collaboration concept and invited TSMC to propose ideas for joint initiatives that could benefit the public.

Both parties exchanged souvenirs during the visit as a gesture of goodwill.

Other attendees included Penang 88 Captains chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock; YBS International Berhad Group managing director and chief executive officer Jackie Yong; Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Goh Guek Eng; ViTrox Corporation Berhad president Chu Jenn Weng; North Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy chairman Datuk Lau Chee Kheong; Marketech Integrated Pte Ltd general manager Foong Tai Fong; and Marketech International Corp chief executive officer Margaret Kao.

The TSMC Charity Foundation visited Penang from Jan 25 to Jan 27, with Chang leading a three-day series of philanthropic engagements.

During the visit, the delegation toured the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) and the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged to gain insights into local technical education and elderly care models, with both sides expressing interest in future collaboration.