CYBERJAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia's Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng told a group of entrepreneurs on Tuesday (June 19) that it is time the country gave some healthy economic competition to its southern neighbour Singapore.

"We must have the can do spirit. For example, why must we lose to Singapore every time? Beat them at their own game, you can do it. Penang has beaten them many times," he told a group of entrepreneurs here at the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre's (MaGIC) Global Accelerator Programme (GAP).

Mr Lim previously served as Chief Minister of northern state Penang from 2008 to 2018.

"I'm not being anti-Singapore here but I'm just trying to motivate you that you can do it! After all if you look at Singapore, they use many of our people (talents)," Mr Lim added.

He observed that Singaporeans are really good in marketing, noting they have laid bold claims to being the originator of several food dishes that are common to both countries.

"Chicken rice is theirs? ... if you're not careful fried kuay teow will also be theirs (someday)," Mr Lim said to laughter from the audience, referring to Penang's iconic noodle dish.