PENANG’s rise as a regional hub for high-value investments and digital innovation took another bold step forward with the official launch of GBS By The Sea, the latest milestone under the Penang Development Corporation’s (PDC) Global Business Services (GBS) initiative.
This RM296 million state-of-the-art facility, located in the Technoplex area of the Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, adds 290,000 square feet of modern workspace to Penang’s innovation ecosystem.
Significantly, it is already fully tenanted, a clear testament to investor confidence in the state’s economic direction.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the launch today, commended PDC for its vision and swift execution.
“I want to congratulate PDC as you have done an amazing job, again.
“Just last year, we were at the launch of GBS TechSpace, and today, we are here to celebrate GBS By The Sea, the fourth project under your GBS initiative.
That is not a small achievement. You have delivered, and you have delivered fast,” Chow said in his speech earlier.
GBS By The Sea is now home to three major global players, namely Advanced Micro Devices Global Services (AMD), Celestica Platform and Cloud Solutions Malaysia, and Microsoft Knowledge Capital Centre.
Together, these firms are expected to generate over 1,000 high-value jobs, especially in fields such as research and development, integrated circuit (IC) design, digital services, and engineering, jobs that align with Penang’s transition toward a knowledge-based, tech-forward economy.
“Not only are these global companies investing in Penang, but they are also creating future-ready opportunities for our local talent.
“These are the kind of high-value jobs that we want for Penangites.
“But what sets GBS By The Sea apart is not just its functionality, but its focus on people.
“The building is equipped with modern amenities including a gym, a cafeteria, and a six-storey car park with 800 bays, designed to foster productivity, comfort, and well-being.
“This is what the modern workplace should look like, a place where people want to be, not just where they have to work,” Chow added.
GBS By The Sea is the fourth facility under the state’s GBS initiative. The earlier projects include GBS@Mayang, Jalan Mahsuri, Bayan Baru, GBS@Mahsuri, Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Baru, GBS TechSpace, Technoplex, Bayan Lepas.
Looking ahead, Chow also said that PDC is already preparing for its fifth GBS facility, GBS at Technoplex.
This RM500 million project will add another 400,000 square feet of space, with 16% already pre-booked ahead of completion.
“Even before construction is done, demand is already there.
“That shows the confidence people have in Penang and the strength of our investment ecosystem,” Chow said.
On another matter, Chow also reiterated that the state government welcomes the recent tariff reduction for Malaysian exports to the United States, which dropped from 25% to 19%, calling it a “positive step forward” that would further enhance Penang’s trade competitiveness.
“We will continue to grow.
“Investment sentiment remains strong, and we are seeing new expansions taking place,” he noted.
To support continued industrial growth, Chow emphasised the need for robust infrastructure, including land and water supply.
The state is addressing long-term water needs through the Perak–Penang Water Project, targeting delivery by 2030 or 2031.
“Once you open up areas for industry, you must also support it with infrastructure, water, electricity, and so on.
“Negotiations with Perak will commence soon. This project will allow us to receive hundreds of millions of litres per day, a critical step as we expand,” he added.
Chow also expressed hope that the Federal Government and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will continue supporting efforts to strengthen the semiconductor and digital economy ecosystem.
Also present earlier were state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, and state Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Rashidi Zinol.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud