First factory expected on Silicon Island by 2027

Zairil (seated, centre), together with Rajendran (seated, second from right), Heng (seated, right), Lim (seated, left) and Yau (seated, second from left) in a group photo with other organising members and speakers of the Geotechnical Engineering Seminar 2024.

“We hope to reclaim 1,000 acres of land by the end of next year. We foresee the first factory will start construction in 2026 and will start operation in 2027. Very soon, we will be able to groundbreak the first building on Silicon Island, which will mark a great milestone for Penang,” Zairil said during his speech at the Geotechnical Engineering Seminar 2024 at Ascott Gurney Penang today.

“Silicon Island represents the future of Penang, much like Bayan Lepas was in the 70s when it was transformed from a swampy agricultural backwater into a premier industrial zone in Malaysia.

“The Silicon Island has been designed with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance island in mind. Of 2,300 acres, 40 per cent are set aside for infrastructure, open spaces and blue-green corridors.

“We also take into consideration climate change and the rise of sea levels and ensure that the island is built with water canals and lots of trees and greens to keep the temperature down.

“Thirty per cent of the island will go into a Green Tech Park, covering approximately 700 acres. This new industrial zone will attract some of the biggest names in advanced technologies to provide high-income jobs.

“As Penang is a premier destination for manufacturing, we aim to attract quality investors for them to expand their operations, further their research and development, and engage in integrated circuit (IC) designs and other advanced activities. We also hope to attract some blue-chip and catalytic investors.”

Heng presenting a souvenir to Zairil, while Chan looks on.

He added that today, Penang continues to contribute about one-third of Malaysia’s exports despite being the country’s second smallest state.

Last year, Malaysia exported goods worth RM435 billion, with Penang contributing greatly, and Penang achieved a record foreign direct investment (FDI) of RM61.7 billion last year.

In addition to the manufacturing sector, Zairil said the tourism sector has also played a pivotal role, citing that the number of Penang Hill arrivals was higher than in 2019, the peak year for Penang before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the participants at the Geotechnical Engineering Seminar 2024.

Zairil also mentioned the importance of the upcoming Light Rail Transport (LRT) project that will ease the state’s public transport system.

He said while construction is set to begin this year on government-owned land that is free from encumbrances, land acquisition is also underway.

“If everything goes according to plan, construction will be completed in 2029. After a year of testing, we should be able to launch the operation of the Mutiara Line in 2030. This will hopefully reduce the pressure on our roads,” Zairil said.

He added that the LRT line will connect the industrial zone of Silicon Island, with the Penang International Airport, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Spice, Gelugor, Jelutong, Macullum, and Komtar as well as Penang Sentral Butterworth, linking to the existing national rail system, like KTM Komuter and KTM Electric Train Service (ETS).

Zairil also provided an update on the Penang Hill Cable Car Project, which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last month, noting that it will take less than two years to complete.

Zairil greeting one of the participants as he arrives to officiate the Geotechnical Engineering Seminar 2024. On his right is Rajendran.

Regarding the Penang International Airport, he said the first phase of expansion will involve ancillary buildings making way for the terminal’s expansion. It is expected to be completed by 2027.

Zairil further reported that the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Ee bypass project is over 50 per cent complete.

“As we advance these developments, we are committed to ensuring sustainability, safety, and adherence to the highest standards of geotechnical engineering remains paramount. The Penang Safety Guideline for Hill Site Development, 2nd Edition 2020, exemplifies our dedication to these principles.

“Incorporating cutting-edge geotechnical engineering practices into our projects is also a cornerstone of our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting environmental conservation.

“These initiatives are designed to ensure that Penang remains an inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable place for all.

“This seminar serves as an invaluable platform for professionals to exchange expertise and insights, addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities within the field of geotechnical engineering.

“I am confident that the discussions and knowledge shared here today will significantly advance our collective expertise and leave a lasting effect on geotechnical engineering practices in Penang and beyond,” Zairil concluded.

Also present were Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Rajendran Anthony, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Penang branch chairman Chan Wah Cheong, organising chairperson Heng Lee Sun, Geotechnical Engineering Lead Datuk Yau Ann Nian, adviser Datuk Seri Lim Kok Khong and secretary Lim Sheau Rou.

Chan presenting a souvenir to Rajendran. With them is Heng (left).

Rajendran noted that the seminar provided a platform for geotechnical engineering professionals from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia not only to learn but to share their experiences.

He emphasised that Penang’s recent developments from expanding its infrastructure to enhancing public spaces are the result of a convergence of public-private partnerships, and a commitment by the state’s leaders, engineers, and developers to address significant challenges.

“Your expertise and insights are vital to ensuring the safety and viability of our projects and the well-being of our people. Let us continue to nurture the spirit of collaboration and create a more sustainable and resilient community. Together, we are stronger, and together, let us build a better future for generations to come,” Rajendran said in his speech.

Heng highlighted geotechnical engineering is the backbone of our infrastructure, with success being significantly influenced by collaboration among stakeholders and authorities, such as the Penang Island City Council and the Seberang Perai City Council. “Let us keep prioritising safety, quality and sustainability. By leveraging our expertise and fostering our strong partnerships, we believe Penang continues to thrive and develop in a way that respects and preserves our natural environment,” said Heng, who believes the state has about only 20 geotechnical engineers.

Chan said in Penang, where development must balance rapid urbanisation with environmental stewardship, the role of geotechnical engineering cannot be overstated. He stressed that Penang needs more geotechnical engineers.

“This seminar serves as an invaluable platform for discussing the latest advancements and best practices in geotechnical engineering. The presentations and discussions aim to underscore the importance of staying abreast of technological innovations and implementing effective solutions to address the challenges we face,” Chan said.

The seminar featured distinguished speakers, including Prof Tan Thiam Soon who spoke on Coastal Protection Structures – Challenges and Opportunities, Prof Richard Pang Pui Loi (Combating Landslide Risk: Need for a Slope Safety System with Sustainability Professional Effort), Baddrul HM Taib (Geology Terrain Mapping and Geotechnical Engineering Report), Dr Lee Sieng Kai (Recent Advancement in Pile Load Testing with Wina-Platform Based Automated Maintain Load Test System) Prof Dr Masyhur Irsyam (Recent Development of Seismic Hazard Maps of Indonesia for Design of Earthquake Resistant Buildings and Infrastructures) and Dr Leong Kam Weng (Alternative Foundation Solutions with Ground Movement).

Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting