Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today officiated the early launch of the Silicon Island Experience Centre, as the state’s ambitious 2,300-acre development reached a major milestone with 500 acres of land reclaimed as of October 2026.

Located at the development site, the 2,500-square-foot centre was completed in four months at a cost of RM2.5 million. It aims to provide investors, industry players and the public with a clearer understanding of Silicon Island’s master plan and long-term potential.

Chow described Silicon Island as more than a land reclamation project, saying it would serve as a strategic catalyst for Penang’s economic growth over 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 technology, advanced packaging, research and development (R&D), and AI-driven innovation,” he said.

The development will feature an integrated ecosystem of high-tech industrial areas, residential and commercial developments, and green spaces, including a 700-acre Green Tech Park. It is also projected to generate more than 220,000 jobs across high-tech industries, the creative economy and modern services.

Sustainability will remain a key focus, with Silicon Island holding five-diamond accreditation under the Low Carbon Cities framework and targeting a 45% reduction in carbon emissions compared with conventional urban development.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the experience centre would feature an interactive LED scale model controlled via an iPad, allowing visitors to explore the development’s various components.

These include more than 110km of planned dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths, alongside 402 acres of designated green spaces, coastal parks and marine conservation zones.

Connectivity will be supported by the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) project, including a bridge linking Permatang Damar Laut directly to Silicon Island. According to Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, the first phase of PIL2A, costing RM420 million, is progressing, with the first section of the bridge targeted to open in December 2028. The full project is expected to be completed in June 2029.

Meanwhile, more than RM30 million has been channelled towards assistance for local fishermen, including ex-gratia payments, boats, engines and improvements to fishing facilities. Environmental mitigation measures include artificial reef placement and a phased programme to plant 200,000 mangrove and other suitable trees by 2030.

Chow acknowledged the environmental, social and legal challenges encountered throughout the project but said the state remained committed to its long-term economic potential.

With the experience centre now open, the state government hopes to attract more international partners and investors to explore opportunities on Silicon Island as reclamation and infrastructure development continue.