Builders celebrate 148 years powering Penang’s growth

Published by N. TRISHA • 23/10/2025

(From sixth left) Goh, Wee and Sim cutting the cake celebrating the 148th anniversary of Penang Master Builders. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

SEVERAL mega projects in Penang are creating valuable opportunities for contractors and suppliers.

These projects represent the evolving landscape of Penang and the readiness of Penang Master Builders (PMB) to develop together, said its president Datuk Goh Teng Whoo.

The projects include the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT), Penang International Airport expansion, Air Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, North Coastal Paired Road, Silicon Island and Pan Island Link (PIL).

PIL 1 is a highway that connects Gurney Drive to the second Penang Bridge, while PIL 2A is an extension linking the bridge to Silicon Island (a man-made islet arising off the southern coast of Penang island).

Goh said the association was fortunate to be part of the state’s ongoing transformation.

“The Penang LRT project will not only improve connectivity but also open doors for Penang-based contractors and suppliers to participate in shaping the future.

“We cannot speak of Penang’s progress without mentioning Silicon Island, which is a bold and visionary undertaking.

“This development is expected to generate ripple effects across the industry, offering new avenues for engagement, collaboration and growth among our members,” he said in his speech during the association’s 148th anniversary dinner at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre.

Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Oliver Wee said the celebration themed “Honouring The Past, Building The Future” captured the essence of the industry’s journey.

“It reminds us to cherish the foundations laid by past generations while embracing innovation to create a sustainable tomorrow.

“Honouring the past means recognising the vision and resilience of those who built Penang into the vibrant hub it is today.

“Their dedication to quality and progress inspires us to carry forward their legacy with pride.”

Wee said Penang’s construction sector had experienced remarkable growth, positioning the state as a beacon of progress in Malaysia.

“From cutting-edge commercial developments to transformative infrastructure projects like the Penang Transport Master Plan, PMB members have been part of this rapid development.

“These initiatives and sustainable urban projects showcase a commitment to blending modernity with Penang’s rich cultural heritage,” he added.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who was the guest of honour, said that not many could boast such a long history in Penang.

“PMB was established in 1877, the year our cast iron pipes were laid to replace the brick aqueduct which distributed water around the island.

“Over the last century and a half, you have seen Penang turning from a fishing village into a trading post and then into an industrialised state.

“Here in Penang, we have the best of every world.

“A multilingual, multicultural talent pool that moves easily between languages, industries and continents – the inheritance of centuries of openness to trade, ideas and people.

“We have a skilled workforce forged by 50 years of industrialisation. Men and women like you, who built the factories and infrastructure that powered Malaysia’s economic growth and who are now ready to build the smart industries of the future,” he said.

A video montage showcasing the association’s various achievements from its inception to its growth over the years played throughout the dinner.

Awards were also given to PMB’s long-serving members and winners of the association’s President Cup Golf Tournament that was held earlier in the year.

Also present at the dinner were Penang transport, infrastructure and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, health committee chairman Daniel Gooi, and social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.