A 10-acre site in Batu Kawan has been allocated for the development of an ATE Campus, aimed at strengthening the industrial ecosystem by bringing together local and international companies. The initiative is expected to drive innovation, talent development and collaboration, further reinforcing Batu Kawan’s role as a key industrial hub while supporting future property demand in the area.
PENANG has allocated 10 acres of land in Batu Kawan, valued at approximately RM40 million, for the development of an Automation, Test and Equipment (ATE) Campus. The campus is expected to serve as a hub for both local and international companies involved in the ATE sector, further strengthening Batu Kawan’s role within Penang’s growing industrial and technology ecosystem.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the initiative as an exciting collaboration supported by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), highlighting the state’s commitment to strengthening local participation in industrialisation and manufacturing.
He emphasised that the initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign capital by building stronger local capabilities while continuing to benefit from foreign investments - creating a more balanced and resilient ecosystem over time.
The proposed campus will bring together local ATE companies and potentially foreign firms to collaborate within a shared ecosystem. According to Loo Lee Lian, Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang, the campus is envisioned as both an innovation and collaboration centre for the ATE industry, encouraging knowledge sharing and industry development.
While the physical campus may take two to three years to materialise, collaboration has already begun. The Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) has provided space for a shared laboratory as industry players start working together using existing facilities - an early sign of ecosystem development already in motion.
The initiative is also expected to seek funding support from the Federal Government, including agencies such as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). A detailed proposal is expected to be presented by May or June once funding requirements are finalised.
Chow noted that developing strong local industry capabilities will take time, but many Penang companies already have decades of experience and are well positioned to support this ecosystem further.
PropertyMart Market Perspective
From PropertyMart’s perspective, the planned ATE Campus is expected to further strengthen Batu Kawan’s position as a growing technology and industrial hub.
As more high-value industries and talent move into the area, this is expected to support both rental demand and long-term property value growth across surrounding residential and commercial developments.
For those exploring opportunities in Batu Kawan, this is another signal that the township’s growth is being driven by real economic activity, not just future plans.
Source: Buletin Mutiara
