POTENTIAL investors can now get a closer look at how Penang’s 930.77ha Silicon Island will take shape, through an interactive experience centre built on the reclaimed island.
The RM2.5mil Silicon Island Experience Centre uses an illuminated scale model and digital technology to show how the future industrial, commercial, residential and recreational areas will fit together.
Investors can explore the development through an iPad-controlled LED model, which displays the proposed road network, public transport corridors, green spaces and other features of the island.
The single-storey, 232sq m centre will serve as a reference point for government agencies, prospective investors, local communities and other stakeholders to experience the upcoming island firsthand.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Silicon Island would be an economic catalyst for Penang in the next 50 years.
“Fifty years ago, Penang took a bold leap into semiconductors. Today, Silicon Island marks our next chapter of ambition, creating new room for high- value tech, advanced packaging, research and development and artificial intelligence-driven innovation.
“Anchored in Penang2030 and accredited with 5-Diamond Low-Carbon status, Silicon Island proves that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.
“With the opening of the Silicon Island Experience Centre, our doors are now open for you to come, see it and build Penang’s future with us,” he said when officiating the soft launch of the centre.
State infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari stressed the importance of transparency and accessibility provided by the new facility.
“An experience centre like this will bridge the gap between high-aspiration master planning on paper and physical reality on-site.
“For a large-scale transformation project like Silicon Island, clear and transparent information is essential.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of economic opportunity.
“By aligning advanced mobility systems with green design and digital readiness, Silicon Island will further solidify Penang’s position as a premier destination for high-value technology and sustainable investment in the region,” he said.
Regarding the key operational milestones achieved at the site, Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer and Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the RM420mil Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) was moving smoothly as well.
PIL2A is a key infrastructure development connecting Penang island (specifically areas in Batu Maung and second Penang Bridge) to Silicon Island.
The project features a 1.5km road and a marine bridge as a central component of its alignment.
“We are targeting the opening of the marine bridge connecting Jalan Permatang Damar Laut directly to Silicon Island by December 2028, and full completion by June 2029,” said Farizan.
It was earlier reported that the first phase of PIL2A had reached 29.85% completion as at August, putting it 0.42% ahead of schedule.
Construction of pile caps and pillars is underway, while 25 of the 260 required T-beams had been cast as at Aug 31.
Farizan also said over RM30mil had been disbursed under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) to support local fishermen and their families.
Present during the soft launch were state executive councillors Rashidi Zinol, Wong Hon Wai, Goh Choon Aik, state financial officer Datuk Zairi Mat Ali, Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Southwest District officer Datuk Rosli Halim, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) investment promotion executive director Faizal Jalaludin, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Szeto Wai Loong and agency representatives.
