WHILE RENOWNED FOR creating industrial parks, townships and residential developments, Penang Development Corporation (PDC), since its inception in 1969, has also been instrumental in revitalising Penang’s urban landscape, propelling the state’s growth into the 21st century.

PDC provides a comprehensive suite of supportive services such as property management, engineering, event management, facilities management and maintenance, which are delivered through two subsidiary companies: PDC Setia Urus, which provides commercial and residential buildings with property management and engineering services, and Assets Care Solutions, which handles the maintenance and enhancement of industrial buildings, most of which are leased to multinational corporations (MNCs).

A Look at PDC Setia Urus

Dubbed the “Total Property Solutions Partner”, a notable project of PDC Setia Urus is the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR), which began as an urban rejuvenation project in 1973. After several decades, it was due for a facility upgrade. To comply with modern benchmarks of energy efficiency, safety and comfort, PDC Setia Urus oversaw the revamp of its facilities—from toilets to advertisement spaces, and electrical circuit supply to security systems. They also transformed a major section of the building to house the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), allowing all key government agency services to operate under one roof.

PDC Setia Urus also specialises in supplying event management and space rentals, particularly within PDC-owned properties. For instance, PDC Setia Urus governs the space rental and maintenance of Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park, a former trading area in central George Town that dates back to the 19th century, now transformed into Malaysia’s first urban archaeological park in the middle of this land-scarce city. [1] This park is also where PDC Setia Urus plays host to many events, such as art markets and mini concerts, through active collaboration with different agencies. This creates a pull factor for families and visitors alike.

PDC Setia Urus’s portfolio includes other significant events such as the annual KOMTAR Tower Run and George Town Festival (GTF). The company has also partnered with government agencies on initiatives like the Semarak Gemilang campaign and blood donation drives.

A Look at Assets Care Solutions

Complementing PDC Setia Urus is Assets Care Solutions, a facilities management company handling the comprehensive maintenance and enhancement of industrial buildings. They consider the physical aspects of development and the overall user experience, tailoring facility management to the tenants’ needs, providing corrective maintenance against breakdowns or complaints, and adopting SMART practices—i.e. specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-sensitive—to reduce delays.

Today, Assets Care Solutions boasts an impressive portfolio under its care, including renowned industrial buildings like GBS@Mahsuri, GBS@Mayang, Innoplex, Technocenter and SME Center.

Rejuvenating Penang’s Urban Spaces and Public Amenities

With solid foundations set, one need not look further than George Town and its surrounds to see how PDC works its magic in urban rejuvenation and restoration.

Along Gat Lebuh China, the previously abandoned Wisma Yeap Chor Ee was restored to its former glory after it was equipped with modern facilities while preserving its original architecture. Today, it houses the Penang Science Cluster, a state-funded NGO that provides STEM programmes to young learners. Through PDC’s work, heritage and usability blend seamlessly.

Another example is Penang Institute’s main heritage wing. Conceptualised, designed and constructed from scratch, the building’s fusion blend of white-and-black complements its natural setting with the architectural heritage of a bygone era, as seen in both its interior and exterior finishes. This building houses Penang Institute’s conference hall; its respective research programmes today stand as a testament to PDC’s capability in imagining and creating future spaces nestled in a heritage setting.

PDC also maintains Penang’s public housing through a series of rejuvenation schemes that include the repainting, repairing and replacing of worn out facilities and other components. Not only do these beneficial schemes safeguard the safety, security and living quality of its residents, they also raise the cityscape’s aesthetic value.

“With evolving urban trends, PDC is constantly reimagining the future possibilities of Penang’s urban spaces so that they can correlate with its evolving identity. This will add value to the lifestyle and living quality of Penangites,” PDC’s Chief Executive Officer, Aziz Bakar remarked.

Facing Future Realities

As the state looks towards the Penang2030 vision of becoming a family-focused, green and smart state, PDC recognises the immense importance of good property and building management in creating sustainable, livable and prosperous cities. Relevant to this end is also the cultivation of a symbiotic relationship between property and tourism—for everyone ranging from locals, tourists, businesses and industrial entities. Through its trustworthy subsidiaries that are PDC Setia Urus and Assets Care Solutions, and its overall role in ensuring that Penang’s landmarks and amenities complement future needs and aspirations, PDC will continue to uphold its pillars of excellence towards a distinctly robust Penang identity that reaches across Malaysia and beyond.

Footnote:

[1] “Exploring the past at Penang’s Sia Boey Archaeological Park”, New Straits Times Online, 26 February 2024, https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1017920/ exploring-past-penang-ssia-boey-archaeological-park, accessed on 27 May 2024