Penang continues to strengthen its position as a leading industrial hub with the groundbreaking of Hotayi BK3, the latest expansion of Hotayi (M) Electronics Sdn Bhd in Batu Kawan. The ceremony, officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, marks a significant milestone for the Taiwanese-owned electronics manufacturing company.

Chow expressed his gratitude to Hotayi for its long-term commitment to Penang, acknowledging the company’s role in shaping the state’s economic landscape. Since its establishment in 1992, Hotayi has been a key player in the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry, specialising in advanced manufacturing solutions for sectors such as data centres, automotive, communications, and consumer electronics.

“This Phase 3 expansion will introduce smart manufacturing across 380,000 square feet, backed by an investment of RM500 million. The new facility is expected to create 1,000 high-value jobs upon completion,” Chow said.

As Malaysia’s top contributor to the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, Penang plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain. Chow highlighted that the state accounts for over 5% of global semiconductor exports and hosts leading semiconductor companies alongside strong homegrown industry players.

“With over 50 years of industrial excellence, Penang has established itself as a premier destination for high-tech manufacturing and innovation-driven investments,” he added.

In 2023, Penang was among the top three states in Malaysia for approved manufacturing investments, securing RM17.3 billion. Of this, RM13.8 billion—or 80%—came from foreign direct investments (FDI). The electronics and electrical products sector led the way, attracting RM7.8 billion, or 45% of the total approved manufacturing investments in 2024.

Beyond business growth, Hotayi is also giving back to the community. The company contributed RM500,000 to the Penang Future Foundation (PFF), a state government-backed scholarship programme that supports outstanding Malaysian students in STEM-related fields. Chow encouraged more private sector participation in developing local STEM talent to meet industry demands.

Hotayi chairman Datuk Seri Lee Hung Lung expressed pride in the company’s achievements and attributed its success to the dedication of its employees. “Our team is the driving force behind Hotayi’s growth. With this expansion, we aim to create more employment opportunities and achieve even greater milestones,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Hotayi managing director Datuk Goh Guek Eng noted that the company has undergone multiple expansions since 2017, reflecting its steady growth and confidence in Penang’s industrial ecosystem.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) Bakat Baru MADANI housing project in Seberang Jaya is scheduled to take place at the end of April 2025.

Chief Minister Y.A.B. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow previously announced that the ceremony was initially planned for March 2025 but was postponed due to additional requirements that needed to be fulfilled following planning approval.

“The groundbreaking is now scheduled for the end of April and will mark the launch of the project’s first phase in Seberang Jaya,” he said during a press conference yesterday.

This project is part of the government’s initiative to attract more talent to work in Penang by providing affordable housing. The Prime Minister has also expressed hopes that the project can be expedited to meet housing demands.

Over the next 10 years, a total of 38,000 housing units will be developed in phases, starting in Seberang Jaya and later expanding to Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. The project will also utilize the Industrialized Building System (IBS) to accelerate construction timelines.

Dato’ Aziz Bakar, CEO of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), highlighted that RMM Bakat Baru MADANI is the first scheme of its kind in Penang, requiring technical adjustments to comply with regulations.

With a gross development value (GDV) of RM13 billion, the project will feature facilities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, multi-purpose hall, and playground.

The Penang state government has issued a strong call for action against developers delaying affordable housing projects. State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu emphasized the urgency of completing these projects to meet the growing demand for affordable homes in the state.

Sundarajoo revealed that while over 160,000 affordable housing units have been completed, are under construction, or are in the planning phase, more than 70,000 units remain stalled at the planning stage with no visible progress. To address this issue, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) have been instructed to summon the developers responsible for these delays.

“If this issue persists, we will not approve new planning permissions for these developers unless they commence construction on their pending projects first,” he warned, stressing the need for strict measures to prevent further setbacks.

The state government remains committed to its goal of delivering 220,000 affordable housing units by 2030. Sundarajoo reiterated that ensuring access to affordable housing is a priority, as many Penangites cannot afford high-priced properties. He urged developers to fulfill their obligations, ensuring that those in need are not deprived of housing opportunities.

To accommodate the rapid population growth in Sungai Ara and Hujung, and to promote the development of green townships, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced plans to build a new large-scale neighborhood park this year. The project, costing RM2 million, aims to enhance public recreational spaces and provide a green lung for the community.

Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara: A New Green Space

Penang Deputy Speaker and state assemblyman for Bayan Lepas, Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, revealed that the park, part of the second phase of the Sungai Ara development, will be named Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara. It will covering an area of 7,743.60 square meters (approximately 1.91 acres).

He confirmed that the construction costs would be fully borne by MBPP.

Enhancing Connectivity with Two Bridges

To further improve connectivity in the area, Datuk Azrul has requested additional funding from Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik for the construction of two bridges. These bridges will link the first and second phases of the green space development in Sungai Ara, creating a seamless connection between the two parks and improving accessibility for residents.

Once completed, the new park will be the third major recreational facility in the area, following the Relau Metropolitan Park and the Sungai Ara Linear Park. It will also be the largest park within the Bayan Lepas state constituency.

A Landmark for the Community

Datuk Azrul noted that while the Sungai Ara Linear Park is expansive, most of it falls under the Batu Maung state constituency, with only a small portion near the Sungai Ara private market belonging to Bayan Lepas. With the completion of Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara, he expects the new park to become a popular recreational spot and a significant local landmark.

Located at the border between the Bayan Lepas and Paya Terubong state constituencies, the park will not only benefit residents of Sungai Ara and Relau but also serve nearby areas such as Bayan Baru, Bukit Jambul, and their surrounding communities.

Commitment to Green and Healthy Living

“With the rapid development and increasing population in Sungai Ara and Relau, the most pressing need is public recreational spaces that cater to all age groups. Therefore, I fully support and advocate for this project to create a green and healthy community environment,” said Datuk Azrul.

The construction plan was opened for public tender on March 10, and work is expected to commence soon.

To manage costs efficiently, Datuk Azrul opted for a simpler but functional bridge design instead of the initially proposed high-cost structure. The original design included LED lighting, solar panels, wind and noise-resistant polycarbonate sheets, and a steel arch structure, with an estimated cost of RM800,000. However, due to budget considerations, a more practical design was chosen.

The Penang government has formally requested the Federal Government’s support for the establishment of the Penang International Financial Centre (PIFC), an initiative aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s global financial and industrial presence.

A letter detailing the state’s commitment to the project was submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on March 13, 2025. The PIFC is envisioned as a catalyst for attracting capital inflows, fostering financial innovation, and bolstering Malaysia’s semiconductor and high-tech industries.

The initiative is being led by the Penang Institute through a Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) process. This aligns with Penang’s historical role as a global trading hub and its strong presence in manufacturing and technology.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized the importance of Federal Government collaboration to ensure the success of the PIFC. “This initiative will drive technological investments, create high-value employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to both national and state revenue,” he stated during a media conference at Komtar.

Also present at the conference were key state officials, including Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, and Penang Development Corporation CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar.

The PIFC is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the semiconductor sector in the Northern Corridor, in line with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). Additionally, it aims to support tech-driven investments, introduce new financial innovations, and diversify employment opportunities within the professional services sector.

The Penang Institute has invited financial institutions, property developers, industry leaders, and investment firms to participate in the EOI process. Interested parties can collect EOI documents from the Penang Institute between March 17 and March 26, 2025, during office hours. The deadline for proposal submissions is 12pm on May 19, 2025.