THE two-storey food court at the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, known as Food Bayana, represents a significant leap into the future where technology, innovation, and sustainability converge.
Led by Pentamaster Corp Berhad, this food court marks a notable milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards creating innovative and eco-friendly lifestyle hubs.
Pentamaster Corp Berhad Group executive chairman Datuk Chuah Choon Bin highlighted that Food Bayana is one of three key components of the Bayana Project, which also includes Bayana Hub and Bayana Parc.
“Five years ago, the Bayana Project began with a simple idea: to transform three parcels of land offered by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) into bustling food and lifestyle destinations.
“These parcels, measuring 20,000, 25,000, and 8,000sq ft respectively, presented unique challenges that required innovative solutions.
“Parcel B (Food Bayana), the focal point of today’s celebration, posed a particularly difficult challenge due to its relatively narrow 25,000-square-foot size.
“To maximize space, we decided to construct a two-storey food court, with food stalls on the ground floor and dining areas above.
“However, this design introduced a new problem: how to efficiently deliver food to customers seated upstairs.
“This is where Pentamaster’s expertise in automation came into play. The solution is a fleet of automated robots that transport food between floors via an elevator.
“Customers place their orders at the counter, and food stall tenants dispatch their meals upstairs using these robots, eliminating the need for diners to carry their trays themselves,” Chuah explained during his speech at the Food Bayana launch this morning.
Chuah also shared that, to further enhance the dining experience, Pentamaster introduced an innovative food delivery system on the upper floor.
“Food is delivered to designated lockers, which notify customers via their smartphones when their orders are ready for pickup.
“This seamless integration of robotics and automated storage demonstrates Pentamaster’s expertise in automation technology and its commitment to improving customer convenience,” he added.
Beyond automation, the Bayana Project also sets new benchmarks in sustainability.
Pentamaster is actively pursuing Green Building Index (GBI) certification, aiming for a Gold rating for Food Bayana.
If successful, this would make the Bayana food court the first in Malaysia to achieve GBI Gold certification, further solidifying its status as a pioneer in green building initiatives.
Chuah also announced that the Bayana Hub on Parcel A is scheduled to open by June 2025, while Bayana Parc on Parcel C will commence operations on Jan 1, 2025.
“The five-storey Bayana Hub will feature a variety of facilities, including a drive-thru restaurant, convenience stores, gym facilities, and a rock climbing wall, catering to the needs of modern urban dwellers. Our co-working spaces provide the ideal environment for creativity and productivity.
“Bayana Parc, with its nature-inspired design, promises an upscale dining experience that combines the tranquility of the forest with contemporary aesthetics,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed pride that Food Bayana had successfully integrated a digital payment system and robotic technology into its operations.
“Food Bayana operates as the first semi-automated food hub in the region, utilising robot technology to deliver food to customers.
“I am confident that this project will undoubtedly add value to the surrounding area, creating income opportunities for the people and enabling them to enjoy a better quality of life.
“This innovation reflects the progressive spirit of the free industrial zone,” he said, thanking Pentamaster for successfully initiating the effort.
Also present at the event were Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar, and Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon (former special investment adviser to the Chief Minister).
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and Christopher Tan
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud