- Explores Penang’s creative economy through policy, talent, and innovation
- Initiatives include training, heritage innovation & insights into entrepreneurs’ journeys
The Penang Creative Industries Living Lab, organised by the Penang Living Lab for Advancing the Creative Economy (PLLACE) research team, was officiated by Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, on 19 August 2025 at Digital Penang. The seven-day programme, which runs from 19–25 August, is designed to bring together artists, entrepreneurs, academics and the public to exchange ideas on the growth of creative industries in Penang.
PLLACE investigates several dimensions of Penang’s creative economy, with a focus on policy and strategy development, talent and skills, and both digital and heritage-based innovation. Its initiatives include identifying skill gaps among creative entrepreneurs, developing targeted training programmes, studying heritage-embedded innovation, and gaining a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial journeys, their motivations, challenges and capabilities. Central to this is the Living Lab approach, which encourages collaboration, co-creation and the amplification of citizen voices. This marks the first application of such a method in Malaysia to directly engage the public in supporting the creative sector.
The programme comprises two main components, both open to the public. The first is the Expert Panel Discussion, held every evening at 8.00 pm, where industry leaders and academics explore key issues shaping Penang’s creative industries. The second is the Living Lab Co-Creation Session, held daily from 3.30 pm to 10.00 pm, which invites members of the public and creative practitioners to collaborate, exchange ideas and provide feedback that informs research while supporting the development of innovative products and services in local creative and digital enterprises.
The Co-Creation Session will feature eight participating businesses: Anis Kissmiss, Ashisuto Global Technologies Sdn Bhd, The Brainbow Sdn Bhd, Keng Hwa Carving Studio, MDaat Eco Wellness Sdn Bhd, MyPayment Gateway, Root and Bark, and Zero Technologies Electronics Sdn Bhd.
The Living Lab is curated by the PLLACE research team, with strategic partners including Digital Penang, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, and the Malaysia Creativepreneur Strategic Alliance.
Click here to register or find out more.
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