• உலக செய்திகள் Penang Delegation Meets Tamil Nadu Deputy CM to Strengthen Diaspora Ties
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• ramani on 2026-01-11 17:18:00

News By MAAHGESHAN 

Chennai  11Jan2026 — A high-level delegation from Penang, led by State Housing and Environment Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, has held discussions with Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in a significant move to further strengthen long-standing ties between Penang and the southern Indian state.

The meeting focused on deepening diaspora connections, expanding cultural exchanges and identifying opportunities for collaboration in key sectors, including tourism, heritage preservation, education and economic development.

Datuk Seri Sundarajoo, who is also the Perai assemblyman, highlighted the important role of the Penang Tamil community as a cultural and social bridge between Malaysia and Tamil Nadu. He reaffirmed Penang’s commitment to supporting initiatives that celebrate shared heritage while opening avenues for youth engagement, skills development and sustainable growth.

Udhayanidhi, who assumed office as Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024 while overseeing the Youth Welfare and Sports Development portfolio, welcomed the engagement and expressed support for closer regional cooperation. Since entering public service in 2019, he has been actively promoting social development and cross-border partnerships.

Both sides acknowledged the deep historical links between Penang and Tamil Nadu, dating back more than 2,000 years through ancient maritime trade routes. These ties were further strengthened during the colonial era, when Tamil migrants played a key role in Penang’s economic and social development. Today, their legacy remains evident in Penang’s Little India precincts, temples, festivals such as Deepavali and Thaipusam, and rich culinary traditions.

Recent developments, including the launch of direct IndiGo Airlines flights between Penang and Chennai in December 2024, were cited as a catalyst for closer people-to-people ties and increased cooperation.

Among the proposals discussed were exchange programmes for artisans, academics and young leaders, as well as joint initiatives to promote sustainable tourism that highlights shared historical and cultural linkages.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a regular dialogue mechanism to track progress and explore new areas of collaboration. The Penang delegation also extended a formal invitation to Udhayanidhi to visit Penang, aimed at further strengthening ties and showcasing the contributions of the Tamil diaspora to the state’s development.

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