AS GEOPOLITICAL tensions reshape the global economy, businesses in Penang must remain resilient and adaptable.
“Collaboration will also be crucial to managing supply chain disruptions, rising costs and workforce issues in this unpredictable environment,” said Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Penang and Northern Branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan.
He was speaking at the organisation’s Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri Networking Lunch 2026 at Persiaran Gurney.
“We are operating in a world that has become increasingly complex and interconnected, yet also more fragile,” he said.
“Such uncertain times will test not only our strategies, but also our resilience, adaptability and ability to work with each other.”
Tan highlighted that the state’s business community had consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt and persevere, noting that it was one of Penang’s greatest strengths.
“The state has a robust ecosystem built on capability, openness, innovation and collaboration.
“With the right leadership, the right partnerships and the right mindset, we can turn uncertainty into a platform for renewal and opportunity,” he added.
“he chamber, currently in its 189th year, acts as a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are strengthened, concerns are voiced constructively and opportunities are explored together,” said Tan.
“Penang occupies a very special place in Malaysia’s economic landscape because of the close ties between the state government, private sector, investors, diplomatic community and chambers of commerce and industry, who all work together.
“A strong economy is never built by one sector alone, but through alignment, dialogue and shared commitment,” he added.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was guest of honour, pointed to these strong fundamentals and robust ecosystem as a key reason why Penang was able to maintain its international standing as a sustainable and competitive investment destination.
“In 2025, Penang recorded total approved manufacturing investment of RM22.4bil, a 29% increase from 2024,” he said.
“Notably, 68% of this was foreign direct investment, reflecting continued confidence from global investors.
“The electrical and electronics (E&E) sector continues to be the key driver of our manufacturing landscape, attracting RM11.3bil, which accounted for more than half of the total approved manufacturing investment,” he added.
Chow said Penang was also the top exporting state last year, contributing 36% of the nationwide total with RM574.1bil in exports, of which RM436.9bil came from the E&E sector.
“Looking ahead, the state government remains committed to future-proofing our economy through innovation, sustainability and talent development.
“Our latest initiative under the National Semiconductor Strategy is the Penang Automation, Test and Equipment (ATE) Campus,” he said.
Led by InvestPenang, the project aims to accelerate and strengthen the ATE ecosystem across advanced packaging, integrated device manufacturing, electronics manufacturing services, medical technology and semiconductor equipment manufacturing.
Also present were Consul-General of China in Penang Zhou Youbin, Consul-General of Japan in Penang Shinya Machida, Consul-General of Thailand Psusit Wongsurawat, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and MICCI Northern Branch past chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff.
