SILICON Island has the potential to serve as a model for how future coastal smart cities can balance growth with sustainability, liveability, and long-term resilience, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
According to Chow, Silicon Island is also expected to bring wide-ranging benefits not only for Penang but also for Malaysia as a whole.
“The project will attract high-value investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, electronics, and research and development (R&D).
“According to research by Deloitte, it could generate over 220,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, attract RM74.7 billion in investments, and contribute RM1.1 trillion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050, with positive spillover effects for supporting industries such as logistics, services, and retail.
“It will also enhance Penang’s competitiveness by providing new industrial land anchored by the Green Tech Park, supported by world-class infrastructure and strong sustainability credentials.
“This complements the already thriving Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone and reinforces the state’s position as a key global hub for semiconductors while driving further growth in high-tech industries,” Chow said during his visit to the exhibition booth of Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), a participant at the Selangor Investment and Industrial Park Expo (SPARK) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today.
SPARK 2025 is one of the six major events under the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2025 that is currently ongoing from Oct 8 until Oct 11 at KLCC.
The other five events are Selangor International Food and Beverage Expo, Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention, Selangor Asean Business Conference, Selangor Aerospace Summit and Selangor International Care Summit.
The opening ceremony of SIBS 2025 today was officiated by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Minister; Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari; Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin; Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han; Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated group chief executive officer Datuk Saipolyazan M. Yusop; and Invest Selangor chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris.
Chow added that beyond industry and sustainability, Silicon Island will also feature the Heart of the Island (HOTI), envisioned as a new waterfront landmark and tourism destination in the southern part of Penang.
“HOTI will combine lifestyle, leisure, cultural and green attractions, adding vibrancy to the island while drawing both local visitors and international tourists.
“Once completed, Silicon Island, with its modern infrastructure and attractions, will complement George Town’s Unesco World Heritage status and further strengthen Penang’s appeal both as a local and international tourist destination,” said Chow.
Silicon Island is a flagship land reclamation and smart city initiative led by the Penang government, located off the island’s southern coast.
The project covers 2,300 acres and will be developed in two phases: 1,260 acres in Phase One and 1,040 acres in Phase Two.
Its core vision is to establish a sustainable, low-carbon hub that integrates high-tech industries, residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts, leisure areas, and green spaces.
Among its key features are the Green Tech Park, an industrial hub with state-of-the-art infrastructure for high-value sectors within the semiconductors, electronics and medical devices sector, as well as modern transport systems including marine viaducts, the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), and other sustainable mobility options.
Equally important, the project is guided by strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Branded as ‘Green by Design’, it incorporates low-carbon goals, sustainable water and waste management systems, and targets for balanced use of public and private transport. This approach ensures that environmental responsibility is embedded in every aspect of its development.
Reclamation works began in September 2023 after securing all required approvals, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). To date, about 230 acres have been completed.
Speaking about SIBS 2025, Amirudin said the event, now in its ninth edition, aims to drive stronger regional collaboration and support inclusive economic growth across South-East Asia.
“SIBS has evolved into a significant regional platform that brings together stakeholders from across South-East Asia and beyond.
“It is where ideas are exchanged, connections are fostered, partnerships forged, and visions shared.
“What sets SIBS apart is its spirit of inclusivity. We believe this region is stronger when all voices, big or small, established or emerging, are given space to contribute,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix and video by Siew Chia En