PENANG is strengthening its economic footprint in Indonesia by connecting local entrepreneurs with potential business partners in North Sumatra through a business matching session held at the office of the consul-general of Malaysia in Medan yesterday.
The session, organised in conjunction with Penang’s participation in the 50th Pekan Raya Sumatera Utara (PRSU), brought together entrepreneurs, investors and business communities from Malaysia and Indonesia to explore distributorships, joint ventures, investments and other long-term collaborations.
Among the Penang brands that pitched their businesses during the session were Kenny Loh Couture, Ar Rayyan, Juciao (specialising in pickleball paddles), Educare and Terradeca Sdn Bhd.
State Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik said the programme was more than just a networking event, describing it as a strategic platform to unlock new economic opportunities between Penang and North Sumatra.
“Today’s Business Matching Programme is more than a networking session. It is a strategic platform that brings together entrepreneurs, investors and business communities from both countries to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities and establish meaningful commercial partnerships.
“In today’s highly interconnected economy, collaboration is no longer an option, it is a necessity.
“Businesses that embrace innovation, build strategic partnerships and expand beyond borders will be better positioned to succeed in an increasingly competitive regional and global marketplace,” he said in his speech.
Goh encouraged participants to maximise the session by exploring distributorships, joint ventures, investment opportunities and other forms of long-term cooperation.
Highlighting Penang’s economic strength, he said the state recorded RM259.64 billion in exports between January and April 2026, representing a 51.2 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
During the same period, Penang achieved a trade surplus of RM110.67 billion, with products exported to 195 countries and territories worldwide.
He noted that while the electrical and electronics sector remained the state’s export backbone, the Penang government was equally committed to helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand into regional and international markets.
“Indonesia remains one of Penang’s important partners in ASEAN, and we believe there is tremendous potential to deepen collaboration across sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverages, healthcare, tourism, the digital economy and halal industries,” he added.
Goh also said Penang’s participation in this year’s PRSU was a collective effort involving 25 entrepreneurs and companies, supported by officers from various state agencies and strategic partners.
“Our presence here is not merely to promote products or services. More importantly, we are here to build trust, strengthen friendships and create new opportunities.
“Strong business relationships are built through meaningful engagement, and I am confident that today’s discussions will pave the way for lasting partnerships between Penang and North Sumatra,” he said.
Meanwhile, consul-general of Malaysia in Medan, Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, urged businesses from both sides to move beyond conventional trade and focus on jointly developing new opportunities.
“We have to move on from selling to each other to building together. Yes, trade is important, but the next phase of Malaysia-Indonesia relations must be more ambitious.
“So perhaps the better question is: What can we develop together?” he said.
Shahril said Malaysia and Indonesia possessed enormous untapped economic potential, noting that bilateral trade remained relatively modest despite the two countries accounting for more than half of Asean’s population.
“Our business matching today must lead to business making.
“Today is only the beginning. Not every match will become a successful partnership, but don’t just exchange business cards but exchange ideas. Do not just ask what your company can do. Think about what we can do together,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of follow-up discussions after the session, saying meaningful collaborations would only materialise through sustained engagement between businesses.
The business matching session forms part of Penang’s month-long participation at the Penang Pavilion in the 50th PRSU, where the state is showcasing its business ecosystem, investment opportunities, tourism attractions, cultural heritage, renowned cuisine and local entrepreneurs under the theme “Discover Penang in Medan, Indonesia.”
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En