WITH its crisp white façade and elegant simplicity, Spark Optics in Air Itam is breathing new life into a restored heritage shophouse, while also reviving the neighbourhood’s business potential.
The eyewear store blends the charm of heritage architecture with a modern, welcoming interior, showing how old buildings can thrive again through thoughtful restoration.
Run by Air Itam-born entrepreneur Wayne Ng, Spark Optics carries independent eyewear brands from Japan, Europe, and China. Its design maintains the shophouse’s original architectural features, creating a space that feels both vintage and contemporary.
“We maintain the old structure because people appreciate that classic style. In places like Chiang Mai or Kyoto, old houses are cherished. We’re doing the same here,” Wayne said in an interview with Buletin Mutiara.
Since opening its Air Itam branch in June this year, Spark Optics has attracted locals, tourists, and expatriates, becoming a niche destination for quality eyewear. Many of its loyal customers have followed the brand since its first outlet on Chulia Street, which has been running for a decade.
The shop offers trendy and classic frames, round glasses, and stylish accessories at affordable prices, making high-quality designer eyewear accessible to the Air Itam community.
Wayne highlighted that Penang has long been a shopping and tourism hub, with optical care and medical tourism drawing international visitors.
“Many visitors come to Penang because our optical services are better and more affordable than in most places in the region,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s stringent optician certification ensures high quality, especially in Penang and Melaka.
He also revealed plans to open a training centre in Air Itam to nurture a new generation of opticians, inspired by his own journey in the field.
Wayne believes Air Itam’s business potential is often overlooked compared to George Town.
“George Town is more competitive, but Air Itam has the density, safety, and charm. Rents here are still affordable, between RM2,000 and RM3,000, and the area is full of classic shophouses with unique materials and design,” he said.
Through niche branding, social media outreach, and public education on independent eyewear, Spark Optics has carved out a distinct identity.
“We do a lot of public engagement to educate end users about independent eyewear brands, the kind of quality and design you won’t find in other places,” he explained.
With four staff and daily operations in the Air Itam branch, Spark Optics has also invested in community-based initiatives, including charity programmes and neighbourhood outreach.
“Back in the 1990s, a good frame cost RM600 to RM700. Today, with better technology, we can offer higher quality at more accessible prices,” Wayne said.
Supporting the initiative, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said revitalising suburban areas like Air Itam is vital for Penang’s economic growth.
“Even just coming here for a cup of coffee helps the local economy. If we see potential, we should create job opportunities so young people can work here,” he said.
Ng hopes ventures like Spark Optics will strengthen Air Itam’s economy and keep the neighbourhood vibrant. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee inside the shop, served by a local resident.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and courtesy of Spark Optics