Penang’s Chief Minister lights up Philips Lumileds factory with inaugural visit

The LEDs produced at Philips Lumileds factory in Bayan Lepas are subsequently distributed for global consumption. With over 10 years of operation in Penang, Philips has been a long-term investor in the state’s development into becoming the Silicon Valley of Malaysia – Penang contributes nearly one third of Malaysia’s exports value and more than 50% of electronic exports. Philips Lumileds Lighting Company is a leading manufacturer of high-power LEDs and a pioneer in the use of solid-state lighting solutions for everyday purposes including general illumination, automotive lighting, and consumer electronics like LCD displays.

The Chief Minister’s visit is part of his familiarization of the various industries that have operations in the state. Penang’s GDP has grown from approximately RM1.3 billion in 1970 to RM33 billion to date and this increase is largely due to the expanding manufacturing sector that now accounts for 39% of Penang’s economy. At the recent World Cities Summit’s Ministerial Dialogue, Lim reiterated his focus to propel Penang forward as an international city, high-income & knowledge economy with a GDP of USD20 billion and per capita income of USD15,000 by 2020.