PENANG’s ambition to move beyond manufacturing excellence into innovation‑led growth took centre stage today at the Hatchere Innovation Showcase 2026, where leaders underscored the state’s role in shaping Malaysia’s digital future.
State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari commended Hatchere on its first anniversary and its recognition as Penang’s first Malaysia Digital Hub dedicated to product innovation and commercialisation.
“Penang’s success has long been built on strong industrial foundations, world‑class manufacturing capabilities and the talent of our people.
“But the next phase of growth will depend not only on manufacturing excellence, but also on our ability to attract innovation activities, strengthen product development capabilities, create intellectual property and generate higher‑value opportunities for our people,” Zairil said in his speech during the opening of the showcase at The George in George Town earlier today.
He highlighted the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025‑2030, which targets raising the digital economy’s contribution to 35% of Penang’s GDP by 2030, anchored by new investment in integrated circuit design and advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
“Initiatives such as The Hatchere contribute to this effort by creating connections between international innovators, local talent, engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities.
“They show how Penang can create greater value by participating not only in manufacturing, but also in engineering, product development and innovation‑driven activities,” Zairil added.
The Hatchere Sdn Bhd is an incubator for creative product solutions, and it is led by its chief executive officer, Stanley Lee. The office is based here in Lebuh Farquhar.
Meanwhile, Digital Ministry deputy secretary‑general (Strategy and Management) Shakib Ahmad Shakir Jamaluddin placed Penang’s innovation journey within the broader national vision.
“Malaysia has set a bold aspiration to become an AI Nation by 2030.
“Our ambition is not merely to adopt AI technologies, but to build a nation where AI is responsibly and effectively embedded across government, industry and society,” Shakib said.
He stressed that achieving this vision requires a whole‑of‑nation effort, bringing together government, industry, academia and ecosystem players to nurture talent and accelerate innovation.
“Innovation does not happen in isolation. It thrives when ideas, talent, technology, investment and industry come together in an environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration and commercialisation,” he said.
Shakib also announced that The Hatchere has been recognised as Penang’s first Malaysia Digital Hub under the Malaysia Digital Location Recognition (MDLR) initiative, reflecting the maturity of the state’s innovation ecosystem.
“Together, we have an opportunity to shape a future where Malaysia is not only a consumer of technology, but a creator of it,” he concluded, officially declaring the showcase open.
The showcase highlighted projects that bridge international collaboration with local talent, reinforcing Penang’s position as a growing centre for technology and innovation in Asean.
Both leaders emphasised that platforms like Hatchere are vital in sustaining momentum, inspiring partnerships, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting