(From right) Lee explaining The Light City project to Chow and Hon Wai after the MoU signing at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
A SERIES of transformative collaborations is set to bring integrated infrastructure and world-class hospitality to a mixed-use development project in Penang Island.
IJM Perennial Development plans to elevate its iconic flagship project, The Light City, by introducing cutting-edge technology and bringing in premier hotel brands.
IJM Perennial Development is a joint-venture between IJM Corporation Bhd (IJM) and Perennial Holdings Pte Ltd.
A signing ceremony, held at Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), marked a significant milestone in the landmark project’s development.
During the event, three agreements were signed with four industry players, namely a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) for 5G-ready infrastructure, a hotel franchise agreement and a hotel management agreement.
In the MOU, IJM Perennial partnered with leading telecommunications providers to introduce advanced connectivity and smart city technology, transforming The Light City into a future-ready community.
IJM Perennial secured a hotel franchise agreement with Hyatt International Asia-Pacific to introduce the JdV by Hyatt brand to The Light City.
This will mark the debut of JdV by Hyatt in Penang and Malaysia.
Each JdV by Hyatt hotel captures the spirit of its namesake, joie de vivre, by inspiring guests to embrace life’s joys, turning each stay into a genuine celebration of delight.
The hotel management agreement with Galaxy Minyoun Hotel brings the reputable Chinese hotel brand to The Light City, marking its first venture into South-East Asia and its second international presence after Uzbekistan in 2022.
The Minyoun Hospitality Group has developed and operated more than 400 hotel projects across over 60 destinations in eight countries.
IJM Corporation group chief executive officer and managing director Lee Chun Fai said The Light City exemplifies IJM’s vision of creating a transformative, future-ready smart city in Penang.
“By integrating advanced 5G infrastructure and bringing in premier international hospitality brands like JdV by Hyatt and Galaxy Minyoun hotels, along with retail and convention facilities, we will be fostering a vibrant and 5G-connected community.
“This development not only enriches Penang’s cultural heritage but also positions it as a leading destination for business and leisure,” he said during the event.
The JdV by Hyatt and Galaxy Minyoun hotels are part of The Light City’s 34-storey mixed-use building, which includes office units and various shared amenities such as meeting and event spaces, restaurants, a bar and leisure facilities.
Office suite tenants and hotel guests will enjoy panoramic ocean views and convenience with access to all their business, shopping and dining needs, thanks to seamless connectivity with the convention centre and retail mall.
The dual-branded JdV by Hyatt and Galaxy Minyoun hotels under one roof provide distinct brand experiences, catering to a diverse range of guest preferences and enhancing the overall appeal of The Light City.
Together, the two hotels will have 459 rooms.
Present to witness the MOU and agreements was Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
In his speech, Chow described the MOU and agreements as pivotal milestones in the state’s aspiration to become a digitally empowered, smart and liveable city.
“This events perfectly aligns with our Penang2030 vision, which cannot be realised in isolation.
“I am pleased to see that the signings exemplify how the private-public sectors can collaborate to achieve a shared vision,” he said.
Chow said The Light City was more than just another integrated development; it was a cornerstone of Penang 2030 and Penang Digital Transformation Masterplan’s aspirations to strengthen the connectivity and digital infrastructure.
He also said that Penang was anticipating a boom in its tourism sector in the next few years with the opening of PWCC and the two premier hotels.
He said with such facilities and top-notch hotels, the state tourism sector could attract more direct flight to Penang which would increase tourist arrivals in the next few years.
Present at the signing ceremony were state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, IJM Land Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Wong Tuck Wai, IJM Perennial Development director Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung, Perennial Holdings chief operating officer Dawn Tan, Maxis chief executive officer Goh Seow Eng and Minyoun Hospitality chairman Zhang Jianming.
Others present include Hyatt Asia-Pacific development and owner relations vice-president Sarah Leow, GlobalComm Telecommunications managing director Stuart Kang and Minyoun Hospitality business development and strategic partnership director Veronica Qian.
