Discover Penang Institution

Penang

Once a bustling port that linked eastern and western powers along the spice trade route, Penang is a cultural melting pot. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its culture, food and architecture as well as an thriving art scene make it a must-visit state in Malaysia.

Quick Facts

Number of Higher Education Institutions

7

Main City

Penang

Population

1,767,000

Airport

Penang International Airport

Living in Penang

Arriving in Penang

Recently refurbished,  Penang International Airport is one of Malaysia’s newer and better-equipped airports which, despite its small size, service the larger part of Southeast Asia. The airport is on the island, while the mainland is serviced by train and highway. Two bridges connect the two parts.

Airports

Penang International Airport (PIA)

Airport Transportation

Bus

RapidPenang operates 2 bus routes from the airport to Komtar Mall bus interchange. Fares are exact so please ensure you have enough small change.

Car

Rentals are available at PIA and Malaysian road signs are easy to read. Driving is on the left side of the road and do note that there are toll fees for major highways as well.

Taxi

At PIA, all vehicles are able to enter and drop-off passengers. Do note that fares will include highway toll fees. Flag downs and ride-hailing apps are popular as well.

Getting Around Penang

The urban island part of Penang, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. But the whole Penang retains its old world charm while adding modernity in terms of infrastructure and transportation.

Bus

RapidPenang is the main bus operator for most bus routes in Penang. You can check the routes and fares here. The main hub for buses in Georgetown is KOMTAR, the tallest building in town.

Car

Renting a vehicle is a good option for travelling around Penang. As a developed country, there are well-maintained roads, signs in English, and a comprehensive highway system (some of which have toll fees). Using navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze to get around is quite convenient too.

Taxi

Intercity trains stop at Penang Port on the mainland. Penang does not have a rapid transport system.

Train

Penang has metered taxis plying its routes, do ask them to use the meter. Otherwise, ride-hailing apps provide alternative options at a fixed price.

Walking

Exploring by foot is one of the best ways to experience a UNESCO World Heritage site like Penang. Walking tours are available by locals and George Town personalities, so do sign up early and remember to wear comfortable shoes. Streets and sidewalks are spacious are well-maintained and are brightly lit at night which is convenient for those who want to get around on foot.

6 Things You Need To Do in Penang

Take in the Scents of the Tropical Spice Garden

Bask in the sights and smells of this tropical oasis bordering the Malacca Strait. Explore the terraced gardens to learn about edible, medicinal and poisonous plants available in the region. You can join in guided tours and cooking classes for experience to round off the experience. .

Find out more here.

Hiking the Nature Reserve Around Bukit Bendera and Penang Hill

Escape the the hectic city life by exploring two of Penang’s virgin rainforest reserves. Take in the flora and fauna of Penang Hill with guided tours and night walks.

Find out more here.

Soak in the Cultural Heritage While Exploring Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Wander through the corridors while taking in exquisite cutlery and homeware used by Peranakans of old. Majestically restored, it is one of the most well-known buildings in Penang.

Find out more here.

Explore Penang with Your Tastebuds Through Food Streets and Night Markets

Explore many local flavours from sweet, savoury to spicy. Indulge in well-known Malay and Chinese dishes like laksa, rojak (a “salad’ of fruits and vegetables in a thick and sweet dressing), Padang-style Indonesian curries and roasted meats, as well as Indian curries.

Find out more here.

UNESCO World Heritage Zone and Armenian Street

Renowned in the region, the area has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning architecture and traditional business that still retain their old way of life.

Find out more here.

Enjoy Some Contemporary Art at Hin Bus Depot

Browse through Penang’s flourishing art scene with many artist studios, gallery exhibitions, cinemas  and craft markets every weekend.

Find out more here.

Pulau Pinang

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Sarah Azreen Abdul Samat

Sarah has over 22 years of experience in corporate finance transactions involving equity issuance, mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, corporate restructuring, and corporate valuation, amongst others. She began her career in investment banking with Malaysian International Merchant Bankers Berhad in 2001 after obtaining her professional qualifications from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Later in her career, she joined other investment banking institutions in Malaysia such as AmInvestment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad and RHB Investment Bank Berhad.

Presently, Sarah sits as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Reneuco Berhad and Independent Director of Pharmaniaga Berhad. She is currently the Executive Director of 3p Capital Advisers Sdn. Bhd., a company licensed with the Securities Commission Malaysia to provide advisory services to the capital market players.

Tuan Haji Ismail Bin Mohamed

Tuan Haji Ismail Mohamed sits on the Board of Director for Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). He obtains his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Prior to sitting on the EMGS Board, he was also appointed to be the Board of Director to KEJORA from 2013 to 2018, and several companies such as Permodalan Darul Takzim Sdn Bhd, Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd, PIJ Holding and Ranhil SAJ Sdn Bhd. Tuan Haji Ismail Mohamed also co-founded Pertama.

He started his career by setting up a company and being the founder of JYBB Enterprise. His career came to prominence when he became the co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Pertama Polyerethane Technology (M) Sdn Bhd and subsequently became the Special Officer to the Minister of Education in 2013.

Ismail Mohamed is acknowledged for his expertise in Agriculture and Agro-based industry, landing him being appointed as the Chairman of the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee of the Johor State, the Chairman of Agro KEJORA and the Chairman of the Johor State Agriculture, Agro-based industry, Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperatives Committee.