FROM the inception of Malaysia’s first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Bayan Lepas in 1972 to the establishment of its 11th Industrial Park, the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has played a pivotal role in attracting foreign investments in export-oriented industries.
The recent launch of Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP3), along with Bandar Cassia Technology Park (BCTP), represents the future of Penang’s industrial landscape, integrating technology, sustainability, and innovation to enhance economic benefits while meeting industrial land demands.
Led by PDC, next-generation industrial parks prioritise sustainability and efficiency, leveraging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) to create holistic environments for business and life.
Adhering to Environmental Social Governance (ESG) principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these parks feature world-class facilities, green spaces, and amenities. PDC’s success is exemplified by Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP).
PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar said BKIP hosts numerous high-tech and R&D-driven plants like Vitrox’s Centre of Excellence for Machine Vision, Micron, Smith+Nephew, and Lam Research, standing as a model of a world-class, next-generation park that inspires industrial innovation, contributing about 36% of Penang’s total investments in 2020.
“Supported by infrastructure and skills development initiatives, Penang has flourished into a global manufacturing hub.
“Currently, PDC oversees 11 industrial parks catering to capital-intensive, knowledge-based, and high-technology sectors such as electrical and electronics, medical technology, aerospace and avionics, precision engineering and equipment, as well as research and development.
“Amidst economic challenges in 1969, PDC emerged as a driving force, introducing industrial parks that transformed Penang into the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’ and a manufacturing hub in the northern region.
“Today, as Penang transitions towards higher value-added industries, PDC’s next-generation industrial parks continue to attract high-tech and high-value investments, aligning with the global shift towards Industry Revolution 4.0.
“The state has been the choice location for investors, and with the surging demand for industrial land, PDC must innovate and plan efficiently to support their needs and maintain Penang’s competitiveness in the region,” Aziz told Buletin Mutiara recently.
With over 50 years of experience in industrial development, PDC continues to shape Penang’s economic journey by attracting both domestic and foreign investors to its vibrant, next-generation industrial parks.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of PDC