Perak’s Bold Vision on Halal AI Sea-Hub for Economic Powerhouse Status

KUALA LUMPUR – Perak is making a monumental move to become a pivotal economic center, with ambitious plans to build a large-scale sea terminal, establish a cutting-edge Halal and Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry hub, and significantly enhance food security. This comprehensive strategy aims to elevate the state’s economic standing and attract global investment.

At the recent ASEAN Summit 2025, the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) inked two pivotal agreements. One was with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the other with CHEC Construction Sdn Bhd, a prominent global infrastructure company. These strategic partnerships are designed to accelerate development across three core pillars: the creation of the Bagan Datuk International Sea-Hub Multipurpose Terminal (BDI-SMT), the establishment of a robust Halal and AI industrial hub, and collaborative efforts to bolster food security.

PKNPk announced that its Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE government outlines a collaborative framework for sustainable food security and smart investments, intricately linked to the BDI-SMT project. This includes a forward-looking approach to exploring advanced farming technologies, fostering stronger regional trade ties, and fortifying critical supply chains.

The agreement with CHEC Construction, a world leader in infrastructure, specifically details the development of the BDI-SMT. This terminal is envisioned as a major trade nexus, strategically connecting vital economic regions including China, ASEAN nations, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Crucially, this partnership also encompasses the establishment of a dedicated Halal and AI industrial hub within Perak, designed to stimulate ethical manufacturing, foster digital industries, and propel new avenues of economic growth.

Perak Corporation Bhd (KL:PRKCORP) is slated to spearhead the BDI-SMT development, directly contributing to Perak’s broader objective of expanding its Lumut Maritime Industrial City. This focus on maritime, logistics, and industry aligns perfectly with national economic goals and is expected to provide a substantial boost to Malaysia’s overall economy and infrastructure.

Datuk Redza Rafiq, Chief Executive Officer of PKNPk, emphasized that these commercially-driven alliances are set to generate significant employment opportunities, invigorate diverse industries, and substantially enhance infrastructure. He highlighted their particular effectiveness in attracting foreign direct investment, with a strong focus on capital inflows from China and the UAE. The BDI-SMT is poised to emerge as a key maritime trade hub across Asia, complemented by a dedicated drive towards advanced Halal manufacturing and digital industry expansion.

PKNPk further underscored that these strategic alliances are a clear indication of Perak’s proactive stance, signaling its readiness not only to adapt to future economic trends but also to actively shape them. This proactive approach aims to usher in a new era of growth for Perak, one that is deeply integrated with the global economy and developed on sustainable principles.