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.

The first affordable homes by Hunza Group, TreeO at Sungai Ara, has finally been awarded the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). An exclusive media tour was held earlier today in the presence of YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo, the Penang State EXCO for Housing and Environment.

TreeO, a development that comprises of 1,240 units spread across 3 blocks, first broke ground in early 2018 as part of the marquee development of Penang International Commercial City (PICC). Each unit comes at an expanded size of 900 sq. ft., with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms alongside resort-style facilities such as an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor gym, central garden, grand pavilion and much more.

“The journey that we went on to reach here was particularly a challenging one,” said Dato Khor Siang Gin, the Group Managing Director of Hunza Properties Berhad. He added, “Our goal for TreeO is always the same: to deliver a safe, comfortable and valuable home for our buyers.”

Its strategic location, which is a short-drive away from PICC, the Penang International Airport, both Penang Bridges, and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, is one of the main reasons for its outstanding reception. All units had been completely sold out by June 2022.

YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo expressed that “this is a testament to the strong demand for affordable homes, and that fellow developers should take the cue from this.”

“Notably, the rise in labour market and employment rate point to potential demand for housing. That is why our role in building accessible homes is more important than ever, so that the people of Penang can truly advocate for our vision of Penang 2030, and to make Penang the ideal destination to live, work, play and invest,” YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo added.

Khor further reiterated that, “The construction of affordable homes is getting increasingly challenging with the escalating costs of operation, so we hope to engage the State more in conversation towards building a conducive environment where both developers and buyers can benefit from.”

A key handover ceremony also presided in conjunction with the media tour, where YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo presented the homeowners with a mock key to mark the occasion. Khor and Dato’ Seri Khor, the Founder of Hunza Group, were on stage to witness the presentation.

Also present during the media tour were Hunza Group’s Founder and Executive Advisor, Dato’ Seri Khor Teng Tong, the Group’s senior management, and TreeO’s panel consultants as well as contractors.

Embrace the comfort of the spacious Garden Superlink Homes with own private garden in Jesselton Hills, Alma. Last Opportunity!!

Garden Superlink Phase 4 is the ultimate phase of Garden Superlink series within the Green Neighbourhood of Jesselton Hills, Alma. This development comprises 78 units of double-storey superlink homes next to a linear landscaped garden. A shady and scenic lake garden is within short walking distance for residents to enjoy morning stroll, enhance family bonding and fitness pursuit.

Garden Superlink Homes are perfectly designed for young and growing families. With an extended built-up size of about 2,000 sf, featuring four spacious bedrooms plus an additional versatile room, these homes enhance the overall interior layout to elevate your living comfort and practicality. The extra backyard garden space is an ideal canvas for creativity, allowing you to cultivate a bountiful garden or plan for future extension.

The project is strategically located with easy access to a comprehensive array of public amenities for both shopping and leisure needs, including Aeon Mall, Lotus’s, McDonald’s, and many cafe and deli outlets.

Do not miss this final opportunity to secure a spacious Superlink Home at this premium address. Act now to take advantage of current pricing before the opportunity slips away.

Project Name: Garden Superlink Homes (Taman Jasa Intan)
Expected Completion: Mid-2025
Location : Jesselton Hills, Alma – Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Double-storey Superlink Homes
Features: Home alarm system. Well-defined boundary enable a secure, guarded community
Land Size: 23’ x 71’ | 22’ x 79’  |  26’ x 79’
Extra Backyard: 8-10ft for gardening and future extension
Built-up Size: 1,900 – 2,230 sqft (as big as semi-D)
Total Units: 78 units (Limited choice units available. Don’t miss out!!)
Developer : DNP Land Sdn Bhd
Contact No.: 04-5387788 / 012-4486599

IJM Land Berhad (IJM Land), the developer of The Light project, has announced that there will be a temporary motorcycle lane closure on Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway from Aug 19 to Nov 15.

IJM Land in statement on Wednesday (Aug 14) said the closure will affect both the George Town-bound and Bayan Lepas-bound routes in stages.

“This closure is necessary to facilitate construction works for road widening on the expressway and the building of an elevated intersection connecting to The Light Waterfront Penang.

“In connection with this, the bicycle lane will remain open. These infrastructure improvements are essential for supporting traffic capacity and enhancing road network connectivity,” said the statement.

IJM Land noted that the lane closure and construction works will be carried out in stages, with each stage lasting approximately one month.

To better manage traffic flows during the lane closure, the developer will implement a comprehensive traffic management plan throughout the construction period as well make adjustments where possible to mitigate the impact of the planned works.

Source: Bernama

The Penang government is setting the stage for a significant industrial expansion with the development of Silicon Island, a sprawling 2,300-acre reclaimed land project located off the southern coast of Penang Island. According to Zairil Khir Johari, the state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital, the first factory on Silicon Island is projected to begin construction in 2026 and is expected to be operational by 2027.

Silicon Island, previously known as Penang South Island, is designed with a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Of the total reclaimed area, 40% will be devoted to infrastructure, open spaces, and blue-green corridors, ensuring that the island fosters a sustainable and environmentally friendly atmosphere. In line with these values, approximately 700 acres will be designated for a Green Tech Park, which aims to attract leading global technology companies and create high-income jobs in advanced industries.

The entire reclamation process is slated for completion by 2032, with the overall development projected to span 25 years. Zairil highlighted that Silicon Island is poised to play a transformative role in Penang’s economic landscape, much like Bayan Lepas did in the 1970s when it evolved from a swampy agricultural area into a premier industrial zone in Malaysia.

As Penang remains a key contributor to Malaysia’s exports, the state is focused on attracting high-quality investors to drive the next wave of industrial growth. The goal is to further expand research and development activities, integrated circuit (IC) design, and other advanced manufacturing processes on the island.

In addition to the industrial developments, Penang is also advancing critical infrastructure projects, including the Light Rail Transport (Mutiara Line) system, which is expected to be operational by 2030. These initiatives, along with the Penang Hill Cable Car Project, underscore Penang’s commitment to sustainable development and its vision of becoming a leading economic hub in Malaysia.