Penang’s hospitality scene is on the brink of a significant transformation with the upcoming launch of two prestigious hotels, JdV by Hyatt and Galaxy Minyoun Penang The Light City Hotel. These hotels, which will be key components of The Light City’s 34-storey mixed-use development, are poised to offer travelers an unmatched experience upon their completion.

The Light City project, developed by IJM Perennial Development—a joint venture between IJM Corporation Berhad and Perennial Holdings Private Limited—represents a monumental step in Penang’s urban and hospitality development. The project’s integration of office spaces, meeting venues, restaurants, and leisure facilities within the same complex is designed to create a seamless environment for both business and leisure activities.

JdV by Hyatt, making its debut in both Penang and Malaysia, will occupy six floors and feature 156 rooms. This hotel brand is known for its vibrant, boutique-style accommodations that cater to modern travelers seeking unique and personalized experiences. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Minyoun Penang The Light City Hotel will be spread over nine floors with 303 rooms, marking the first venture of this established Chinese hotel brand into Southeast Asia.

Lee Chun Fai, the managing director and Group CEO of IJM Corporation Berhad, expressed his enthusiasm during the signing ceremony on Friday. He emphasized that these two world-class hotels would significantly enhance Penang’s hospitality offerings, positioning the state as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers. The ceremony, held at the nearly completed Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), underscored the project’s strategic importance in boosting the region’s tourism and business prospects.

The Light City project is not just about luxury and comfort; it also represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development. A key highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 5G-ready infrastructure with telecommunications giants Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd and GlobalComm Telecommunications Sdn Bhd. This collaboration aims to transform The Light City into a future-ready community, equipped with cutting-edge connectivity and smart city technologies.

Penang’s Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, praised the project’s alignment with the Penang2030 vision. He highlighted the collaborative effort between federal and state agencies, private enterprises, and the broader community in realizing this ambitious goal. Chow also noted that The Light City would play a pivotal role in establishing Penang as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional connectivity.

As the project moves towards completion, The Light City is expected to generate significant employment opportunities across various sectors, from construction and hospitality to retail and technology. This transformative development not only enhances Penang’s hospitality landscape but also strengthens its position as a smart, livable city with abundant opportunities for its residents.