PENANG made its debut on the Malaysian Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan with deals sealed for manufacturing, tourism and logistics.

The delegation led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his deputy Jagdeep Singh Deo together with state executive councillors Wong Hon Wai and Zairil Khir Johari made impressive strides in promoting Penang to the world.

Some 15,000 trade visitors graced the pavilion since Penang took its turn on the podium earlier this week at the global expo.

Chow also held a media briefing via tele conference with the local media in Penang.

He told a press conference that Penang can become a gateway to the Southeast Asian’s innovative economy.

The expo and investment mission by Invest Penang, served as a platform to promote the state’s investment scene while strengthening ties with Japanese business leaders.

“Penang may be Malaysia’s second smallest state, but we are proud to be known as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’ — a reputation built since the 1970s. It began when eight pioneering multinational companies — the “Eight Samurais” — Intel Corporation, Hewlett Packard (now Keysight Technologies and Agilent Technologies), Robert Bosch, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Litronix (now Osram Opto Semiconductors), Hitachi (now Renesas Electronic), Clarion, and National Semiconductor (no longer present in Penang following a corporate M&A exercise) – chose Penang as their base,” Chow said.

Over the past five decades, Penang has evolved from a labour-intensive assembly hub into a centre for semiconductors, advanced electronics, and medical technology. Today, the state is home to more than 350 multinational corporations, 6,500 SMEs, and over 200 Malaysian digital companies.

Four of the top ten semiconductor producers in the world, have their bases in Penang, and six of the top 30 global medical device companies, are also here, said Chow.

Approximately 70 Japanese companies operate in Penang, including Advantest, Ibiden, Kobelco, Renesas, and Towa.

Last year, trade between Penang and Japan reached RM35.1 billion, placing Japan among Penang’s top 10 trading partners, Chow said.

Chow also witnessed memorandum of understandings sealed between the Penang Development Corporation and logistics operators DHL and FedEx to improve air logistics.

Another agreement was sealed with Solar Voltech Sdn Bhd and Atlantic Blue Sdn Bhjd as well as Shizen International Incorporated.

Wong also promoted tourism to the Japan audience as well as discussing with Japan Airlines on more flight links.

There was also room for Japanese investors to tap the potential of the ongoing reclamation of the Silicon Island.

In 2023, 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.

“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 and Penang Halal International also 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.

The World Expo, which officially started in April this year, is a six-month affair that will end next month.