By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 24 October 2026
Penang has opened the Silicon Island Experience Centre, a RM2.5 million gallery where investors and the public can see the plan for the state’s new man-made island off Bayan Lepas. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the early launch on 17 October 2026. At the same time, the state confirmed that about 500 acres (202 hectares) of the island have now been reclaimed.
Here is what the centre shows, where the project stands, when the bridge will open, and what Silicon Island could mean for homes in the south of Penang Island.
Silicon Island at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total size | About 2,300 acres (931 hectares) |
| Reclaimed so far | About 500 acres (202 hectares), roughly one fifth of the island, as of October 2026 |
| Reclamation started | September 2023 |
| Green Tech Park | 700 acres (283 hectares) for high-tech industry |
| Focus industries | Advanced packaging, research and development, and AI-driven innovation, complementing the Bayan Lepas E&E cluster |
| Projected jobs | More than 220,000 across high-tech industry, the creative economy and modern services |
| Green space | 402 acres of parks, coastal areas and marine conservation zones, plus more than 110 km of cycling and walking paths |
| Sustainability | Five-diamond Low Carbon Cities accreditation, targeting 45% lower carbon emissions than a conventional development |
What is inside the Experience Centre?
The single-storey, 2,500 sq ft centre was built in four months. Its centrepiece is an interactive LED scale model controlled by iPad, which lights up each part of the master plan: the Green Tech Park, commercial and residential zones, parks, transit corridors and the bridge link. The state says the model will be updated regularly as the island takes shape, so visitors can compare the plan with physical progress.
The centre is meant for investors, government agencies, industry partners, local communities and the media. Opening hours and booking arrangements have not been published yet, so contact the Silicon Island developer before visiting.
How you will get there: bridge and LRT
| Link | Status |
|---|---|
| Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) phase 1 | RM420 million contract, including a marine bridge from Jalan Permatang Damar Laut to Silicon Island |
| First bridge section | Targeted to open in December 2028 |
| PIL2A phase 1 full completion | Targeted for June 2029 |
| Mutiara Line LRT | A provisional Silicon Island station (A01) is planned as the southern end of the line; see our LRT route map |
Community and environmental measures
The state says more than RM30 million has gone to affected fishermen through ex-gratia payments, new boats and engines, and upgraded fishing facilities. It is also placing artificial reefs, releasing fish and prawns, and plans to plant 200,000 mangroves and other trees by 2030. The Chief Minister acknowledged the project’s environmental, social and legal challenges, and said the state remains committed to it.
What it means for Penang property
Silicon Island sits off the southern coast of the island, next to Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung, Permatang Damar Laut and Teluk Kumbar. If the Green Tech Park fills up as planned, these areas will be closest to tens of thousands of new jobs, and the new bridge and LRT will shorten the commute. The timeline is long, though: the first bridge section is not due until December 2028, and industrial plots will be taken up over many years.
For home buyers, the most practical approach is to buy for today’s convenience, close to the existing Bayan Lepas industrial zone and the airport, and treat Silicon Island as a long-term bonus rather than a reason to overpay now.
New launches near Silicon Island
| Project | Area | Indicative price | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taman Harmoni Vista | Teluk Kumbar | RM300,000–RM400,000 | 2027 |
| Laguna Bay Residences | Teluk Kumbar | From RM432,000 | 2027 |
| Maldives Residence | Bayan Lepas | RM498,000–RM550,000 | 2027 |
| Queens Residences Q3 | Bayan Lepas | RM958,130–RM1,988,640 | 2027 |
| Valencia Residence | Bayan Lepas | RM1,391,300–RM1,553,600 | Completed |
| Desa Seri Aman (landed) | Batu Maung | RM1,600,000–RM2,010,000 | Completed |
See every project in the area on our Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung and Teluk Kumbar pages.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Silicon Island?
Silicon Island is a 2,300-acre reclaimed island off the southern coast of Penang Island, next to Bayan Lepas, Permatang Damar Laut and Batu Maung.
How much of Silicon Island has been reclaimed?
About 500 acres (202 hectares) as of October 2026, roughly one fifth of the total, since work started in September 2023.
When will the bridge to Silicon Island open?
The first section of the Pan Island Link 2A marine bridge from Permatang Damar Laut is targeted to open in December 2028, with phase 1 completed by June 2029.
Will the LRT go to Silicon Island?
The Mutiara Line plan includes a provisional Silicon Island station (A01) at its southern end. The current construction phase starts from Permatang Damar Laut.
Looking at homes in the south of Penang Island?
I can send the latest price lists for projects in Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung and Teluk Kumbar. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- Buletin Mutiara: Silicon Island Experience Centre launched
- Malay Mail: Penang’s RM420m link road to Silicon Island targets first bridge opening by 2028
- New Straits Times: Penang unveils Silicon Island Experience Centre as reclamation hits 200ha
- Penang Property Talk: Silicon Island Experience Centre opens as reclamation reaches 500 acres
This article is general information based on official statements and published reports as of 24 October 2026. Timelines and plans may change. It is not investment advice; project prices are indicative and depend on availability.