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PENANG has achieved significant inroads at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan where over 20 million trade visitors graced the venue to showcase trade and explore economic opportunities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow signalled a positive outcome from its "look East" campaign after attending the expo where Penang represented the country at the national pavilion this past week.
Chow went to Osaka with hopes to expand the state's investment horizons.
The state in turn secured partnership in logistics, manufacturing and tourism while Chow took the opportunity to network further in areas such as future healthcare services.
He lauded Japan’s Nakanoshima Qross in Osaka as a model for advancing healthcare and innovation, saying it shares many similarities with Penang’s vision for the future.
“This centre shows us how healthcare and innovation can grow hand in hand. When I look at Nakanoshima Qross, I see many similarities with Penang’s own vision,” Chow said while visiting the integrated healthcare facility.
He described the hub as “truly impressive,” noting how it brings together hospitals, researchers, startups, and companies to jointly develop medical solutions of the future.
Penang, as a regional healthcare destination received more than 412,900 foreign patients and generated RM888.7 million in revenue among private hospitals last year.
“People choose Penang not only for our excellent doctors and modern hospitals, but also for our culture, food, and warm hospitality,” he said.
Chow took notes from his observation of the facility to help the state, who is spearheading the RM2 billion Penang Medi-City project in Batu Kawan.
Covering 235 acres, the development will feature a 200-bed specialist hospital, wellness and diagnostic centres, and supporting residential and commercial facilities, while also cementing the state's goal to become a preferred healthcare location.
“It will be more than just hospitals; it will be a complete medical ecosystem where patients, researchers, and investors can all connect,” Chow said, adding that Osaka and Penang shared the same goal of integrating healthcare, research, and startups to accelerate access to new treatments.
The Japanese facility was established in 2019 by 21 private companies with support from the Osaka Prefectural Government, the Organisation for Advanced Healthcare Innovation who operates the Nakanoshima Qross.
State executive councillor for tourism and creative economy, Wong Hon Wai led a state team, which met the Japan Association of Travel Agents' director Yukihiro Kimura.
Following the successful completion of the “Not The Penang That You Know” roadshow in Tokyo, Wong 's delegation of public and private tourism officials flew westward to Osaka to host the next session of the same roadshow series.
“This initiative aims to tap into the Kansai market. By covering both of Japan’s key economic regions - Greater Tokyo and Kansai, we can achieve deeper penetration into the world’s fourth-largest economy.
“At the same time, it enhances the recognition, influence, and visibility of Penang’s tourism offerings among potential Japanese visitors. We aim to further expand and develop Penang’s tourism industry by leveraging the enormous potential of the Japanese market," said Wong.
Japanese are also a notable presence in the retirement scheme of "Malaysia My Second Home," (MM2H) in Penang.
“The Osaka session of the roadshow marks the Penang state government’s first tourism promotion activity in Osaka in recent years, serving as a milestone for the tourism industry to tap the Kansai market.
“Through this roadshow, the state hopes to establish connections with local tourism operators, lay the groundwork for future collaborations, and ultimately attract more tourists from Japan’s Kansai region to Penang.”
Japan has a total population of approximately 123.8 million, with over 20 million residing in the Kansai region alone; Osaka Prefecture accounts for about 8.8 million.
This large population base and market potential cannot be underestimated.
Kansai has long been one of Japan’s key economic hubs, concentrating human, logistics, and capital flows.
Although there are currently no direct flights from Osaka to Penang, numerous options with just one transit are available, making travel relatively convenient.
Therefore, promoting Penang to Osaka and the wider Kansai tourism market holds great potential and promising prospects, said Wong. - September 27, 2025.
