PENANG has begun integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies in governance and urban management.
State housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said this included intelligent traffic systems, smart city monitoring and digital services, as well as AI adoption in the manufacturing sector to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
He said Penang’s industrial sector contributed nearly 50% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), placing it in a strong position to lead AI integration in sustainable industry practices.
“AI is a transformative tool that can accelerate sustainable development, improve governance and create new economic opportunities.
“It can strengthen economic competitiveness, drive digital transformation and support innovation-led growth, while offering solutions to environmental challenges,” he said during a press conference at Komtar to announce the Penang Green Summit 2026.
The summit will be held on Nov 12 and 13 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC).
The summit themed “AI for Sustainability”, will showcase practical AI applications across energy use, waste management, mobility, water systems and climate action with measurable environmental, social and governance (ESG) outcomes.
It is organised by the state through the Penang Green Council (PGC).
Organising chairperson and Penang Island City councillor Tan Soo Siang said last year’s summit reached more than 450,000 people through both digital outreach and physical participation.
It also featured 46 exhibition booths and over 200 conference participants including policymakers, industry players, academics and technology providers.
Soo Siang said rising energy costs and climate change had made energy security and efficiency increasingly important for both sustainability and economic competitiveness.
“Companies are now focusing on not only profit and growth, but also on reducing costs, using less energy and improving efficiency while staying competitive,” she added.
Soo Siang said AI was already transforming industries by improving productivity, energy use, predictive maintenance, waste reduction and decision-making.
AI applications were already expanding into smart buildings, urban planning, and carbon tracking, she added.
Soo Siang said the key question was not whether AI should be adopted, but how it could be applied responsibly to address real-world sustainability challenges.
Also present were PGC chief executive officer Josephine Tan and PGC assistant general manager Hoo Huey Ching.
