COME April next year, Penang island will no longer just be admired for its heritage and food, it will be celebrated as a lifestyle capital with the launch of The Waterfront Shoppes, the latest and most ambitious phase of THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang in Gelugor.
IJM Land Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tony Ling said the 1.5 million-square-foot retail destination designed as a lifestyle landmark will be offering up a curated mix of fashion boutiques, artisanal cafes, flagship stores and immersive attractions.
“Rising from premium seafront land, it is more than just a mall and has been envisioned as a vibrant, all-day destination for locals and tourists alike, where every visit promises discovery and delight.
“Also making its mark on the horizon is the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), scheduled to open this October.
“With a massive 76,000-square-foot, column-free exhibition hall, which is the largest in the northern region, PWCC can host up to 5,500 guests and is set to become the Pearl of the Orient’s premier venue for international events, banquets and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) conventions.
“PWCC, managed by KinMalaysia Management Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian subsidiary of South Korea’s KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center), is already 70% booked for October.
“PWCC is seamlessly integrated into THE LIGHT ecosystem, offering direct access to hotels, shopping and dining options, all within walking distance,” he said in a recent interview.
Ling said adding to the allure of the integrated development are two international hotels located in The Light Exchange, which will also have offices, that will elevate Penang’s hospitality scene by April next year.
“The 156-room JdV by Hyatt will offer a vibrant, design-forward escape, while the 303-room Galaxy Minyoun Hotel is crafted for those seeking sophisticated comfort and panoramic sea views under one roof.
“Interested buyers can now register their interest to enjoy early bird perks for Merione, a 39-storey tower set to further redefine mixed-use living in Malaysia, with a preview scheduled for the end of this month.
“To be built on 0.76ha (1.88 acres) of prime waterfront land within THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang, the tower will integrate 32 retail units, 72 shop or office units, 93 business suites and 145 premium residences in three layouts of 1,050 and 1,197 square feet.
“Residents and business owners will share access to a suite of exclusive facilities including an infinity pool, gym, steam rooms, BBQ pavilions, a pickleball court and children’s playground, the first of its kind in Penang where commercial and residential spaces coexist in such harmony,” he added.
Ling said the full 61.5ha (152 acres) development is being completed in phases, with Phase 1 comprising The Light Linear, The Light Point and The Light Collection, already fully sold and occupied.
“Phase 2, a 41.7ha (103 acres) expansion, is now underway and will be progressively completed by 2033. Key milestones ahead include Mezzo (Q3 2025), Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery (Q4 2025), Lightwater Residences (2029), The Waterfront Shoppes (Q2 2026) and Merione.
“Located just a stone’s throw from Penang Bridge and directly linked to the future Penang Waterfront Station on the Mutiara Light Rapid Transit (LRT) line, the development ensures seamless connectivity to the airport, ferry terminal, Bayan Lepas FTZ and the rest of the island.
“There will also be covered walkway from the LRT station to The Waterfront Shoppes, and with top schools, malls and hospitals within minutes, THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang is set to become the most connected and complete township on Penang’s eastern corridor,” he added.
Ling also described THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang as a vibrant integrated development along the island’s eastern seafront, designed to combine residential, commercial, hospitality, retail and leisure spaces in one compact area.
“Everything is within walking distance. This close integration of facilities mirrors the global waterfront city ‘15-minute city’ concept, where daily needs are accessible within a short walk or bicycle ride.
“Strategically located next to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, the development offers strong connectivity to the rest of Penang.
“It is just a few kilometers from the Penang Bridge, the airport and the ferry terminal.
“This accessibility ensures residents and visitors can easily connect to key destinations while still enjoying the convenience of a self-contained community.
“A 750m waterfront promenade links the residential, retail and leisure zones, encouraging walking and outdoor activities. This focus on public spaces not only enhances the quality of life but also fosters a vibrant, active community atmosphere along the scenic coastline.
“Modern living is further supported by smart city features including fibre-optic infrastructure and site-wide Wi-Fi, together, these elements create a connected, sustainable and convenient urban environment,” he said.
From the shoreline to the skyline, THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang is more than a project, it is Penang’s future, shining brighter than ever.
For more details, visit https://thelightwaterfront.ijmland.com/
