PENANG’s strength in the automotive ecosystem has been built over decades, anchored in electronics, semiconductors and precision engineering.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said these once-supporting capabilities have evolved into central pillars of the rapidly transforming automotive landscape.
“As vehicles become more intelligent, connected and electrified, demand for advanced electronics, chips and control systems continues to accelerate.
“This places Penang firmly at the heart of Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, as well as within the broader global supply chain supporting next-generation mobility,” he said during the opening ceremony of the Penang Autoshow 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) today. The show runs until May 3.
Among those present were Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng and Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) chief executive officer Azrul Reza Aziz.
Chow highlighted that Penang is also taking decisive steps towards greener mobility.
“The state aims to roll out 600 electric vehicle (EV) charging bays by 2030, alongside advancing cleaner public transport solutions and major infrastructure projects such as the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line, which is expected to improve connectivity and ease congestion,” said Chow.
However, he cautioned that infrastructure development alone will not guarantee a successful transition.
“For this shift to take root, adoption must move in tandem with industry participation, technological readiness and policy alignment,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of platforms like the Penang Autoshow, noting that such events go beyond product showcases to serve as vital spaces for collaboration.
“They create opportunities for meaningful engagement between policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers and the public and thus, help to translate policy direction into real market adoption.
“The Penang Autoshow 2026 reflects this momentum, bringing together industry, innovation and public engagement at a time when the global transition towards sustainable mobility is accelerating,” he added.
Chow stressed that the future of mobility will belong to those who embrace innovation, foster collaboration and act with clear purpose.
“Let us move forward with conviction to build a mobility ecosystem that is not only advanced and competitive, but also sustainable and inclusive for generations to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azrul described the Penang edition of the autoshow as a significant milestone in expanding the reach of Malaysia’s automotive showcase.
“Today marks an important step in the evolution of the Malaysia Autoshow as we bring this experience to Penang, making it more accessible to communities and industry players in the northern region.
“This regional edition allows us to broaden our reach in the absence of the main show this year, while continuing to strengthen engagement and public access to the future of mobility,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan