GEORGE TOWN (April 26): Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has announced that he is in talks with a group of companies which have recently participated in Selangor’s integrated circuit design park.

These same companies are also expected to announce their business plans in Penang on Saturday at a joint press conference with the chief minister.

“The same group of people who went to Selangor are talking to Penang as well, and tomorrow (Saturday), they will be here to announce a few investments,” Chow told reporters after launching the Northern International Audio and Visual Show here on Friday.

Chow noted that Penang may not have an IC design park, but that does not mean that no IC design companies are operating in the state.

Meanwhile, he said the three-day audio and visual show stands as a significant milestone towards shaping Penang into a dynamic and forward-thinking metropolis, aligned with the vision outlined in Penang2030.

He said Penang had long aimed at fostering an ecosystem that nurtures creative industries and niche business services.

With this dedication in place, Chow said Penang will transform into a global hub for technology, innovation, and creative industries before 2030. 

“It is understood that this exhibition showcases over 40 unique exhibits featuring international exhibitors from Singapore, Lithuania, Canada, Taiwan, Thailand, Denmark, Australia, the US, and local exhibitors from beyond Penang. 

“As a result, this event is anticipated to attract approximately 7,500 visitors, and will have an economic impact of RM13.49 million throughout these three days,” he added.