DEPUTY Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo will lead an official working visit to Hyderabad and Coimbatore, India, from June 3 to June 8 as part of the state’s continued push to strengthen economic, industrial, technological and educational collaboration with one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
The visit is aimed at positioning Penang as a leading industrial and innovation hub in Southeast Asia, with a focus on strategic sectors such as science and technology, artificial intelligence (AI), medical technology, advanced manufacturing, wellness tourism and STEM education.
Announcing the mission at a press conference today, Jagdeep said the trip underscores Penang’s commitment to attracting high-value investments while deepening international partnerships that can support the state’s long-term economic and talent development agenda.
“This visit is about creating stronger government-to-government and industry-to-industry ties while showcasing Penang’s strengths in innovation, technology and education. India recognises Penang’s position as a major industrial hub, and this presents an important opportunity for us to expand collaboration,” he said.
Jagdeep said Penang’s industrial ecosystem has evolved significantly over the years, moving beyond traditional manufacturing into advanced manufacturing, medical technology and AI-driven innovation.
“Today, we are not only talking about manufacturing. We are talking about advanced manufacturing, deep technology, AI and MedTech, all of which are areas where Penang has established itself strongly.
“At the same time, we are placing equal emphasis on education, particularly STEM, because building future-ready talent is critical to sustaining Penang’s competitiveness,” he said.
In Hyderabad, Jagdeep will hold official discussions with the Government of Telangana, including meetings with the Chief Minister and senior state leaders, to explore strategic collaboration opportunities.
He described Hyderabad as one of India’s fastest-growing technology and innovation ecosystems, with strong capabilities in information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and AI development.
“There is significant synergy between Hyderabad and Penang. These are sectors where both regions have complementary strengths, and there is great potential for collaboration through knowledge exchange, investment facilitation and technology partnerships,” he said.
A key engagement in Hyderabad will involve meetings with chairman and representatives of Nasdaq-listed Health Triangle, which has expressed interest in expanding its MedTech and wellness resort initiatives into Penang.
Discussions are expected to focus on potential investment opportunities, healthcare innovation and the development of wellness-related projects in the state.
“This is certainly a very positive development for Penang. We hope these discussions can translate into concrete partnerships and potentially lead to a memorandum of understanding,” Jagdeep said.
The Penang delegation will also meet industrial leaders, investors and technology companies to further promote the state as an ideal destination for regional expansion, manufacturing, research and development, and AI-driven industries.
Following Hyderabad, Jagdeep will continue his official mission in Coimbatore, where he is scheduled to participate in an engagement session with members of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The programme will include meetings with the chairman of CII, senior representatives from industrial firms, including the managing director of Walkaroo International Pvt Ltd, to discuss manufacturing opportunities and industrial collaboration with Penang-based industries.
Jagdeep is also expected to meet the founder and chairman of Arge Global Pvt Ltd, along with other prominent industrialists and business leaders, to promote Penang as a strategic gateway for investment and regional business expansion.
One of the key highlights of the visit will be the inauguration of a new Centre of Excellence at KGiSL Educational Institutions on June 8.
During the event, Jagdeep will deliver a keynote address outlining Penang’s vision for STEM education, innovation and talent development.
The discussions with KGiSL will also explore opportunities for educational exchange, collaborative STEM initiatives and international academic partnerships aimed at strengthening Penang’s STEM ecosystem.
“Industrial growth and education must go hand in hand. While attracting investments remains a priority, developing human capital is equally important if we want to build a resilient and future-ready workforce,” he said.
Jagdeep expressed confidence that the visit would yield positive outcomes for Penang, citing the success of previous international engagements.
“I believe this mission will bring meaningful results for Penang. Our objective is to ensure more international partners understand what Penang has to offer and to create pathways for deeper collaboration in industry, innovation and education,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee