Penang Launches First-of-its-Kind Resilience Strategy with Support from Micron and Resilient Cities Network

With support from the Micron Foundation, Penang is now part of a global movement to build resilience, joining a coalition that includes local governments, private entities and philanthropic partners working together towards a future-ready and resilient Penang.

1 August 2025 – Penang officially launches the Penang Resilience Strategy, a first-of-its-kind, fully accessible and story driven strategy to help the state anticipate and adapt to the impacts of weather-related threats, infrastructure strain and social inequities.

This cross-sectoral effort builds on Penang’s strong foundation for addressing sustainability challenges. It strengthens existing initiatives, addresses critical gaps, and introduces bold new ideas turning them into an actionable plan with a shared vision for resilience. The strategy helps Penang prepare for future threats while improving health and quality of life of its communities.

Thanks to Micron’s support, Penang is not doing this alone. The state now joins a global resilience movement by partnering with local governments, private sector actors and philanthropic organizations committed to safer, more equitable futures.

“Penang’s strength lies in its people, its culture, and its spirit of innovation. The Penang Resilience Strategy reflects our commitment to building a future where communities thrive, economies grow sustainably, and every citizen is equipped to face the uncertainties ahead,” said Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang. “Together, we are shaping a Penang that stands stronger for generations to come.”

Developed with the active participation of over 20 organizations from government, youth groups, civil society, academia and the business community, the strategy captures the collective ambition for a resilient Penang. It reflects a growing collaboration between key partners coming together around a shared agenda, unlocking the value of cross-sector collaboration and private sector leadership.

Micron was the first corporation in Asia to support a city in joining the global Resilient Cities Network and  is now playing a catalytic role in the development of Penang’s strategy —demonstrating how private sector leadership can support government and communities to accelerate long-term investment and action, echoing Micron’s longstanding dedication to sustainability and social impact.

“At Micron, we believe that building resilient communities is essential to sustaining innovation and long-term growth. In Malaysia, our collaboration with the Penang State Government, the Resilient Cities Network, and the Chief Resilience Officers reflects our deep commitment to advancing urban resilience through technology, community engagement, and sustainable development, helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive future for Penang,” said Amarjit Sandhu, Corporate Vice President, Assembly and Test NAND Operations for Micron Technology.

Penang is pioneering not only what it delivers, but how it delivers the strategy, leading a new generation of resilience tactics that are inclusive, practical, inspiring and easier to act on. Available in an innovative, fully virtual format, the strategy becomes a dynamic tool that policymakers, communities, businesses, educators, and young people, regardless of technical background, can engage with and contribute to and apply in their own communities.

“The Penang Resilience Strategy is a testament to the power of collaboration—where governments, businesses, and communities come together to build a stronger future. At R-Cities, we are honored to support Penang’s leadership in resilience, setting an example for cities across the region on how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, equity and innovation,” said Lina Liakou, Global Director of City Engagement and Practice, Resilient Cities Network.

The strategy outlines 13 flagship projects and 30 implementable initiatives, across 11 portfolios. It identifies projects at every level – from a statewide Water Conservation Plan to the city level Green and Community Resilient Seberang Perai.

These resilience initiatives are set to touch the lives of over 1.8 million people, spanning over 200 communities in urban and rural areas of Malaysia, including 70% who live in flood-prone areas, 270,000 senior citizens and hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

This is just the beginning—and Penang is ready to lead.

Learn more at: https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/penang/

Pledge for a Resilient Penang: A Collective Commitment to a Future-Ready State 

In conjunction with the launch of the Penang Resilience Strategy, a Pledge for a Resilient Penang was introduced—marking a shared commitment from local institutions, private sector leaders, academia, and civil society to build a safer, more inclusive, and climate-ready future together. 

More than a symbolic gesture, this pledge is a call to action—a collective commitment to the vision of a Resilient Penang: one that is climate-smart, economically inclusive, socially cohesive, and environmentally sustainable. By signing, organizations commit to supporting the implementation of the Penang Resilience Strategy through collaborative, cross-sector efforts. 

Building resilience takes all of us. Public and private sector actors play a vital role in shaping a Penang that is sustainable, inclusive, and ready for the future. The pledge reflects the belief that resilience is a collective journey—and that meaningful change happens when government, business, and communities move forward together. 

Organizations that have signed the pledge include: 

By signing the pledge, their commit to:  

• Working with Penang State, both City Councils, and partners to advance the Resilience Strategy
• Joining the Penang Resilience Business Forum as a space for dialogue and action
• Sharing current or planned initiatives that align with the Strategy’s goals   

The pledge remains open for additional signatories who believe in Penang’s vision of becoming a resilient, inclusive, and thriving state for today and tomorrow. 

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About Resilient Cities Network

Resilient Cities Network is the world’s leading urban resilience network. It brings together global knowledge, practice, partnerships, and funding to empower its members to build safe and equitable cities for all. Its unique city-led approach ensures cities drive the agenda to benefit the communities they serve. At work in nearly 100 cities worldwide, the Resilient Cities Network supports on-the-ground projects and solutions to build climate resilient, circular and equitable cities while also facilitating connections and information-sharing between communities and local leaders. 

For more information, please visit https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/