GEORGE TOWN, Sept 24 — The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) is showcasing RM5 billion worth of development projects at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, to attract new investment and position the state as a regional hub for high-tech and sustainable development.
Speaking after the launch of “Penang Week” at the Malaysia Pavilion, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said these projects are part of PDC’s 2024-2028 strategic plan and are ready for investors.
“Among the projects showcased are The Coast, a sustainable RM839 million waterfront landmark, and the Penang Linear Waterfront, a RM9.8 billion seaside promenade project,” Chow said in a virtual press conference.
Other key projects include the Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA) and Medi-City in Bandar Cassia.
A key focus of the showcase is highlighting Penang’s capabilities in integrated circuit (IC) design.
“We have brought three of our homegrown IC design leaders to join investment seminars and attend matchmaking sessions with investors in Japan,” Chow said, referring to Tenasic, SiliconX, and SkyeChip.
Reinforcing the state’s logistics ambitions, PDC also signed two separate memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Federal Express Services (M) Sdn Bhd (FedEx) and DHL Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
These MoUs mark the first step in establishing the PILA in Batu Maung.
FedEx and DHL are strategic partners in setting up PILA and the Penang delegation will also be visiting the Kansai Logistics Park this Friday to learn best practices, Chow stated.
Additionally, a RM120 million MoU was signed between local companies Solar Voltech Sdn Bhd, Atlantic Blue Sdn Bhd, and Japan’s Shizen International Inc.
Celebrating culture and long-standing ties
Beyond investment, Penang is also showcasing its cultural icons, including Pak Ali Food Industries with its famous jeruk madu (honeyed pickles) and fashion from Kenny Loh Couture.
In his speech, Chow highlighted the long-standing economic ties between Penang and Japan, which began over 50 years ago.
“We are also home to about 3,500 Japanese expatriates, investors, and retirees who have made Penang their second home,” he said.
Penang attracted over RM1 billion in manufacturing investments from Japan in 2023, Chow noted.
“Japan also remains one of our top eight export destinations, with trade reaching RM14 billion in 2024 and already RM8.3 billion in the first seven months of 2025.”
