PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has reaffirmed the state’s strong economic and cultural ties with Japan at a reception held in conjunction with the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
Speaking at the celebration at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel tonight, Chow conveyed birthday wishes on behalf of the Penang government and its people.
“On behalf of the state government and the people of Penang, I would like to express a Happy Birthday wish to His Majesty the Emperor. May His Majesty’s reign bring continuous peace, prosperity and unity for the Japanese people,” he said.
Chow said he had the privilege of visiting Japan twice last year, including a trade mission to Tokyo, Kyoto and Kumamoto, where he met Japanese investors at their respective headquarters.
“During this mission, I also had the opportunity to attend the Kumamoto Industrial Revitalisation Expo – underscoring its importance as a hub for the Japanese semiconductor industry.
“With Penang’s robust industrial ecosystem and the state’s alignment with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy, the trade mission was a valuable platform for Penang to showcase our strengths, innovations and commitment to being a resilient and sustainable investment location,” he said.
Chow noted that Penang remains a top exporting state, with exports valued at RM516bil as of November 2025, representing 35% of the nation’s total exports and the highest among all states.
He added that Penang contributed RM390bil in Electrical and Electronics (E&E) exports for the first three quarters of 2025, representing 67% of the national total.
Chow said his second visit to Japan was to lead the state’s participation in the Osaka-Kansai World Expo.
“Throughout the special Penang Week showcase, more than RM5bil worth of development projects were unveiled – a move to position Penang as a future-ready hub of innovation, sustainability and economic dynamism,” he said.
Among the projects highlighted were the Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA), Penang Linear Waterfront, Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP 3) and GBS at Technoplex.
Chow described Silicon Island, a 920-hectare reclaimed land development in southern Penang, as one of the most ambitious initiatives.
Chow also acknowledged Japan’s longstanding role in Penang’s industrialisation, noting that Japanese companies were among the “Eight Samurai” that helped establish Malaysia’s first Free Trade Zone in Bayan Lepas.
He said information from the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) database showed that Penang is home to approximately 120 Japanese companies and establishments.
“With a flourishing Japanese community in the state, I would like to commend Consul-General of Japan in Penang Shinya Machida and the Japanese Consulate Office for their steadfast commitment in supporting the existing good relations and the continued progress in economy and cultural exchanges between Japan and Penang,” he said.
The event was attended by Machida, former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung, Consul-General of Indonesia in Penang, His Excellency Wanton Saragih Sidauruk, Consul-General of Thailand in Penang, His Excellency Psusist Wongsurawat, Honorary Consul of Mexico in Penang, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, and Honorary Consul of Chile in Penang, Datin Joelyn Teoh.
In his speech, Machida said that Japan remains firmly committed to deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Malaysia, particularly in trade, education, culture and people-to-people ties.
Machida said the occasion symbolises national unity and Japan’s prayer for peace.
“As a symbol of our national unity, His Majesty always prays for the peace and happiness of the people of Japan and the world,” he said.
Machida said Japan attaches immense importance to its relationship with Malaysia as a comprehensive strategic partner.
“In each visit, both sides agreed to proceed with various new projects and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a free and open international environment.”
Those present at the reception were treated to a sumptuous dinner.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat