About

Explore more about the Creative Digital District @ George Town

CD² is a pilot project to help Penang transform into a digitally enriched state. It will be the hub for Penang’s digital economy, creative industries and start-ups, and a destination for lifestyle, culture and the arts, and learning.

Aligned with Penang’s 2030 vision, CD² aims to revive Penang’s urban core and create an innovation district for digital technologies and creative industries. This initiative complements existing industrial and economic hubs, including software, AI, data analytics, automation, and the creative arts.

CD² will be a city campus that attracts investment in digital and software services to drive the ecosystem in Penang. CD² will be built based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a part of the Penang’s 2030 vision to contribute to a sustainable future for everyone.

Watch the CD² Video Here!

CD² Coverage Area

The Story of Penang

The port city of George Town in Penang was established in 1786 by the British East India Company. It flourished as an entrepot and for a time as the capital and commercial centre of the Straits Settlements.

After the city’s fortunes decreased following the revocation of its free port status in 1969, Penang pivoted towards large-scale industrialisation and was home to Malaysia’s first free trade zone aimed at attracting export-oriented manufacturing industries.

Over the past 50 years, Penang has built up a reputation as the “Silicon Valley of the East”. It has attracted many technology giants such as Intel, Dell, Advanced Micro Devices, Agilent Technologies, Osram, and Motorola, which set up their regional and global operations on the island.

Today, Penang is home to over 300 MNCs and 3,000 SMEs in growth industries such as semiconductors, electronics, precision engineering, medical technology, Global Business Services and IT.

Why Penang is a Suitable Place for CD²

Penang’s George Town is a designated UNESCO cultural heritage site that attracts millions of tourists annually.

Penang has a vibrant community and many co-working spaces where startups, entrepreneurs and students can network.

Penang attracts global investments from multinational corporations for over 50 years.

CD² is the Perfect Location for Universities and Academic Hubs

Producing Digital Brilliance

CD² helps universities and academic hubs to produce a diverse talent pool excelling in digital technologies and creative hubs through a network of interconnected institutions, companies, startups, businesses, incubators and accelerators.

Nurturing a Dynamic Ecosystem

CD² aims to be an ecosystem of digital tech companies, both large and emerging start-ups, supported by the produced skilled talent pool.

5G in CD²

CD² will be one of the first few locations in Malaysia to be connected with 5G, enabling businesses and communities in the area to benefit from high-speed internet.

Waterfront Development in CD²

Legend:
1. Godown 5 2. Godown 7 3. Godown 8 4. Church Street Pier 5. Simulator Centre 6. Weld Quay 7. Urban Community Park 8. Marina Building

In CD², waterfront development is set to vitalise and boost the local and international tourism economy in line with the ‘Experience Penang’ and ‘Penang 2030’ tourism campaigns. Warehouses are planned to house fine dining experience, refurnished into a contemporary food court and made into International Esports Arena.

Future Plans

CD² needs your help to expand beyond its nucleus at Gat Lebuh China. We plan to identify new spaces and buildings that could be repurposed to meet the needs of businesses of the future.

We also plan to provide amenities and support services for a growing CD² community. For example, greater diversity of dining options, mobility solutions within the district, recreational spaces and green areas, and modern co-living spaces.

Collaborate with Us!

CD² is the beginning towards a digitalised Penang! We continuously seek partners from the public and private sectors, academia and community. Let’s collaborate to co-create the ecosystem and let Penang be a better place for everyone!