FREPENCA: A History of Innovative Industrial Support Measures
By Rachel Yeoh
April 2023 FEATURE
PENANG’S industrialisation started when Bayan Lepas, the “rice bowl” of the island, was turned into a Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) in 1972. This first free-trade zone in Malaysia propelled the manufacturing sector to become the major contributor to Penang’s economy, and it continues to do so today, half a century later.As hundreds of multinational engineering, biotech and semiconductor firms blossomed in Penang, the need to synergise their activities became a serious challenge.In 1979, the Free Trade Zone, Penang, Companies’ Association...
Rachel Yeoh
is a former journalist who traded her on-the-go job for a life behind the desk. For the sake of work-life balance, she participates in Penang's performing arts scene after hours.
