(From fourth left) Lee, Chow and Pua signing on a beam as various Penang state exco members and representatives of the developers look on during the topping out ceremony for the PWCC. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
CONSTRUCTION of the new Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) has topped out, with completion on track for the second quarter of 2025.
A key component of The Light City on the island’s eastern coast, it would significantly boost the state’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector once open.
With a total gross floor area spanning over 330,000sq ft, PWCC is set to be the largest MICE venue in Penang and offer a flexible, fully customisable and column-free space for all manner of events.
Its main exhibition hall will have 76,000sq ft of net lettable area and sit up to 5,500 guests banquet style or up to 8,000 in a theatre arrangement.
Guests checking out the PWCC during its topping out ceremony.
International conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, seminars, and live performances will all be possible at this venue. Such a diverse range of events will significantly enhance the state’s appeal as a premier event destination.
Besides the main hall, there will also be 19 meeting rooms of various sizes to suit different needs.
This versatility, coupled with the facility’s cutting-edge technological infrastructure, ensured a high degree of adaptability for various event formats, from intimate functions to large-scale events.
These would be complemented by a large catering kitchen, a sizeable pre-function area, an open rooftop area with unparalleled views of the Penang Bridge, and over 2,900 parking bays.
The topping-out ceremony was attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, representatives from the developers IJM Corporation Bhd and Perennial Holdings Pte Ltd, as well as various state officials and business partners.
IJM Corporation group chief executive officer and managing director Lee Chun Fai described it as a significant milestone in strengthening Penang’s appeal as a hub for business, culture and community.
“Today signifies more than just the near completion of a structure. It also represents the realisation of our vision for The Light City.
“At its heart lies PWCC, a modern and state-of-the-art venue designed to facilitate connections, collaborations and innovation for both local and international communities.
“Its central role within The Light City underscores IJM’s commitment to not only construct buildings but also create spaces that contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of Penang,” Lee said.
Perennial Holdings executive chairman and chief executive officer Pua Seck Guan believed PWCC would be a catalyst for the growth of the state’s MICE and tourism industries.
“Its combination of technologically advanced features, well laid-out amenities and retail and hospitality offerings will position The Light City as a global destination,” Pua said.
Chow said this would bring immense benefits to the local community by way of employment opportunities, skills development programmes, education, research and more.
“We stand at the threshold of a new era, where ideas will converge, collaborations will flourish and knowledge will be exchanged amid the dynamic backdrop of our city,” he added.
PWCC sits atop The Waterfront Shoppes, which is set to be the largest waterfront retail mall in the state with a gross floor area of over 1.5 million sq ft.
When open, it would have over 300 F&B, entertainment, retail, lifestyle and speciality offerings spanning four floors, as well as a 750m-long waterfront promenade and ample parking bays.
PWCC would also be directly linked to The Light City’s four and five-star hotels, which would be managed by an international hotel operator.
The Light City covers 13.25ha and is part of Phase II of the 61.51ha The Light Waterfront Penang, an award-winning, master-planned, integrated development.
Envisioned as a one-of-a-kind, self-sustaining commercial city, it would also have office towers and luxurious high-rise residences.
Also present were state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, trade, entrepreneurial and rural development committee chairman Rashidi Zinol, social development, welfare and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim and Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
