OSAKA: The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has signed two landmark memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Federal Express Services (M) Sdn Bhd (FedEx) and DHL Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd at the launch of Penang Week in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan on Wednesday (Sept 24).
The partnerships provide a significant boost for the upcoming Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA) project in Batu Maung, envisioned as a key logistics hub next to Penang International Airport.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who witnessed the exchange of MoUs, said the collaborations would position Penang as a key player in regional and global logistics.
“These MoUs with FedEx and DHL are significant milestones for Penang.
“They will help us elevate logistics capabilities, strengthen connectivity and ensure that PILA becomes a gateway to Southeast Asia’s growing supply chain network,” Chow said in his speech.
He added that the state delegation would also visit the Kansai Logistics Park later this week to explore best practices for Penang.
Chow’s comment on the upcoming visit to the logistics park came in response to a question about whether Penang has attracted interest from potential Japanese investors.
“I am hopeful the knowledge exchange, together 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 position 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 with a state delegation, said Penang was proud to represent Malaysia on the global stage under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
“Our story with Japan goes back more than 50 years. That friendship has grown into a strong relationship, with over 70 Japanese companies operating in Penang,” he said.
In 2023, Penang attracted over RM1bil in manufacturing investments from Japan, creating more than 500 jobs. Japan remains one of Penang’s top trade partners, with exports reaching RM14bil 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.
The Silicon Island project, offering 230 acres for mixed development and 700 acres for high-tech industries, was also showcased at the expo.
Chow said Penang’s economic strength goes beyond its industrial landscape.
“Penang is Malaysia’s leading hub for semiconductors and integrated circuit (IC) design. At the same time, we are a Unesco World Heritage Site, a food paradise and a tourism gem. This balance between heritage and innovation makes Penang unique,” he said.
Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and Penang Halal International (PHI) joined the showcase, together with 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 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 started in April this year, is a six-month event ending in October.
This year marks only the second time Osaka has hosted the World Expo, with the previous event held in Expo 1970 in nearby Suita.
Also present 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 and others.
