DIGITAL Penang, a Penang state government-linked company (GLC), has successfully concluded the Market Access China 2025 programme, marking its third consecutive international business mission into the fast-evolving innovation ecosystems of Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
The recent mission advanced Penang’s Penang2030 vision of a smart, digital, and entrepreneurial state by accelerating market expansion, fostering long-term technology collaboration, and deepening cross-border innovation.
Conducted in collaboration with TusStar Malaysia and TusStar China, the initiative provided Penang startups with direct exposure to leading technology companies, incubators and universities across both cities.
Seven Penang startups — Fulkrum, Zero Technologies, StarfetchX, Waterbay, Brainbow, TwinAera and Greenetrix — participated in the delegation, representing the artificial intelligence, green technology, medical technology, advanced manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT) and education technology sectors.
A key highlight of the mission was participation in the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) 2025, one of Asia’s largest innovation showcases. Delegates engaged with extensive exhibitions and received insights into innovation policy, talent development and smart manufacturing trends shaping China’s technology development.
During the mission, the delegation visited and engaged with organisations including Shenzhen WDC Robots Innovations Intelligence Co Ltd, Greater Guanghai Bay Youth Innovation Talent Valley (GGBYITV), TusStar Shenzhen, Guangming Science City Industrial Development Group, Leadshine Technology Co Ltd, Shenzhen Zhuoshi Intelligent Technology Co Ltd, Tsinghua University, the China Hi-Tech Fair 2025, the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, and Hong Kong University.
These engagements provided exposure to advanced robotics, manufacturing technologies and innovation models within the Greater Bay Area. More than 15 curated B2B meetings were conducted, enabling participating startups to explore market pathways, potential collaborations and investment opportunities.
The mission successfully identified multiple cross-border business collaboration prospects while also expanding Penang’s visibility as a rising Southeast Asian innovation hub.
The mission also included learning and networking sessions with academic institutions to better understand incubation models and university–industry innovation frameworks. These insights support Digital Penang’s upcoming digital incubation programme scheduled for launch next year.
“Market Access China 2025 reflects Penang’s commitment to helping our startups scale internationally,” said Zairil Khir Johari, state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital.
“By fostering meaningful collaborations within one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems, we continue positioning Penang as a bridge between Southeast Asia and Greater China’s tech markets.”
Digital Penang chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming said the programme had opened doors for Penang startups to access one of the world’s most competitive technology markets.
“The insights and connections gained will strengthen their global competitiveness and contribute to Penang’s aspirations of becoming a leading digital hub,” he said.
Digital Penang also extended its appreciation to Datuk Chng Huck Theng, executive director of Ghee Hiang Manufacturing Co Sdn Bhd, for supporting the mission with Ghee Hiang’s signature gift products, which were presented to partners and hosts throughout the visit.
Pix courtesy of Digital Penang