PENANG will have the opportunity to showcase the state’s industry attractiveness at the Malaysia Pavilion in the upcoming World Expo in Osaka, with the aim of promoting investment opportunities and forging international collaborations.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the federal government had allocated space for each state at the Malaysia Pavilion during the six-month-long expo, with Penang’s slot scheduled for next week.
“This is an important platform for us to introduce Penang to the world. Through the Malaysia Pavilion, we hope to open up investment opportunities and build collaborations with institutions from Japan and other countries,” he said after being asked by a reporter about the state’s initiative to lure investments.
Chow said the state’s participation would be led by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), supported by investment arm InvestPenang and other state agencies.
He added that Penang delegates would also visit other national pavilions at the expo to explore potential synergies.
“The World Expo is held once every five years, and many countries are taking part. We too will make use of the opportunity to identify areas of collaboration and strengthen our global presence,” he said.
Chow noted that Malaysia’s broader focus at the expo is aligned with the country’s push to position itself as a key player in the semiconductor industry.
“In line with Malaysia’s ambitions in the semiconductor sector, Penang will also highlight this area. Some investments may take two to three years to materialise, but what matters is to make the right start and build those connections now,” he said.
Chow stressed that while results may not be immediate, the state views the expo as a crucial step in strengthening its long-term investment pipeline.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat