THE PENANG Development Corporation (PDC) today signed two landmark memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with global logistics giants Federal Express Services (M) Sdn. Bhd. (FedEx) and DHL Express (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. at the launch of Penang Week in the World Expo 2025, Osaka.
The partnerships mark a significant boost for the upcoming Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA) project in Batu Maung, which is envisioned as a key logistics hub adjacent to the Penang International Airport.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who witnessed the brief exchange of MoUs earlier, said the collaborations would position Penang as a critical player in regional and global logistics.
“These MoUs with FedEx and DHL are significant milestones for Penang.
“They will help us elevate our logistics capabilities, strengthen connectivity, and ensure that PILA becomes a gateway to Southeast Asia’s growing supply chain network,” Chow said in his speech earlier today.
He added that the state delegation will also visit the Kansai Logistics Park later this week to explore best practices that can be applied in Penang.
Chow’s remark on the upcoming visit to the logistics park was made in response to a reporter’s question on whether Penang has attracted interest from potential Japanese investors considering it as their next investment destination.
“I am hopeful that the knowledge exchange, coupled with our partnerships with FedEx and DHL, will accelerate the realisation of PILA as one of Penang’s strategic developments,” Chow said.
Another MoU was signed between Solar Voltech Sdn. Bhd. (SVSB), Atlantic Blue Sdn. Bhd. (ABSB), and Japan’s Shizen International Inc., strengthening Penang’s foothold in renewable energy initiatives.
The MoU signings were among the highlights of Penang Week at the World Expo 2025, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
Chow, who officially launched Penang Week alongside a state delegation, said Penang was proud to represent Malaysia on the global stage led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
“Our story with Japan goes back more than 50 years. That friendship has blossomed into a strong relationship, with over 70 Japanese companies operating in Penang today,” he said.
In 2023 alone, Penang attracted over RM1 billion in manufacturing investments from Japan, creating more than 500 jobs. Japan also remains one of Penang’s top trade partners, with exports reaching RM14 billion in 2024.
“Looking forward, we are confident Japanese investments will continue to grow, supported by Malaysia’s ‘Cooperation with the East’ policy and the emphasis on deeper partnerships with the Global South,” Chow said.
To potential investors, PDC showcased developments worth over RM5 billion under its 2024–2028 strategic plan. These include the Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA), Medi-City in Bandar Cassia, Penang Linear Waterfront (RM9.8 billion), Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP3), The Coast (RM839 million), and GBS at Technoplex.
Also presented was the Silicon Island project, covering a total of 2,300 acres, which is being developed in two phases: 1,260 acres under Phase One and the remaining 1,040 acres under Phase Two.
Chow noted that Penang’s economic strength goes beyond its industrial landscape.
“Penang is today Malaysia’s leading hub for semiconductors and integrated circuit (IC) design. At the same time, we are also a Unesco World Heritage Site, a food paradise, and a tourism gem. This balance between heritage and innovation is what makes Penang unique,” he said.
Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and Penang Halal International (PHI) joined the showcase, alongside local icons such as Pak Ali Food Industries, Kenny Loh Couture, and roti canai maestro Mohamad Zul Imran, who drew large crowds at the Pavilion.
“In just the past few weeks, the Malaysian Pavilion has seen about 200,000 visitors. The reception has been very encouraging, and we hope this Penang Week will strengthen our position in investment, tourism, and trade,” Chow said.
The World Expo, which officially started in April this year, is a six-month affair that will end in October.
This year marks only the second time Osaka has hosted the World Expo, having previously hosted Expo 1970 in nearby Suita.
Among other notable figures that joined Chow at the World Expo were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, state Financial Officer Datuk Zabidah Safar, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, PDC general manager Datuk Aziz Bakar, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and others.
