THE Penang government welcomes partnerships with the private sector and civil society to drive sustainable development, enhance public services, and foster economic growth.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted abundant opportunities for collaboration with the state government.
“Penang is always open to partnerships, and we actively engage in initiatives that promote arts and culture.
“As a vibrant hub of heritage and creativity, the state supports various programmes, festivals, and public art projects that celebrate our rich multicultural identity. We aim to preserve traditions while fostering innovation in the creative industry,” he said during his meeting with the Ambassador of Switzerland to Malaysia Chantal Moser at Komtar today.
Also present was the Trade and Economic adviser Sue Schupbach from the Swiss Embassy.
During her courtesy visit, Moser was interested in learning more about Penang and its successes as the Silicon Valley of the East.
Beyond arts and culture, Penang is making significant strides in the semiconductor industry, further cementing its position as a key player in the global technology ecosystem.
Chow stated that the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ initiative, spearheaded by the state government through InvestPenang, is designed to foster a thriving ecosystem for integrated circuit (IC) design and technology enterprises.
Strategically located within a 5km+ radius of the Bayan Lepas industrial park, this initiative aims to attract top-tier semiconductor companies, nurture homegrown talent, and drive innovation in the high-tech sector.
The initiative comprises several key components that work together to strengthen Penang’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The GBS TechSpace serves as a Silicon Research & Incubation Space, providing infrastructure and support for both startups and established companies in IC design.
Meanwhile, the Penang IC Design and Digital Park @Bayan Lepas is envisioned as a high-tech zone that will host high-impact initiatives spanning IC Design, research and development (R&D), Global Business Services (GBS), digital technology investments, and a circular digital economy ecosystem.
To further develop talent, the Penang Chip Design Academy @PSDC will be focusing on end-to-end design development and aims to cultivate talent for the IC Design ecosystem through upskilling and reskilling with academic training and hands-on experience.
In addition to advancing the semiconductor sector, Chow underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to water supply security, recognising its critical role in sustaining industrial growth and ensuring long-term sustainability.
“The state government, through the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), continues to implement strategic measures and infrastructure projects to enhance water resilience, ensuring that both businesses and residents have reliable access to this essential resource,” he said.
He also highlighted that Penang’s readiness in facilities, infrastructure, and supply chain ecosystem further strengthens its position as a global semiconductor hub. With a well-established industrial landscape, world-class facilities, and a highly skilled workforce, the state is well-equipped to support the needs of the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.
Through these strategic initiatives, Penang is not only reinforcing its role as a premier hub for semiconductor design and innovation but also ensuring that its infrastructure and resources are future-ready to drive sustainable economic growth.
By fostering a dynamic ecosystem for design, development, and advanced manufacturing, the state continues to solidify its reputation as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’, further cementing Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian