Not all business in Malaysia is done in the capital Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia Global Business Forum will look at the state capitals where there is plenty of business being done yet many overseas business people are yet to explore both in terms of business opportunities and as a place to visit.
According to Invest Perak, the government body responsible for promoting investment into the state the promoted industry that will drive the economy forward include: Iron & Steel-related Industries, extraction of the natural-resources mainly non-metallic minerals, Perak is the country’s major producer of limestone products, tin, kaolin, clay and mica, Marine Oil & Gas-related Engineering Fabrication and Marine-related Industries, Machinery & Machinery Components, Transport Equipment & Components, Electrical & Electronics, Manufacturing-related Services, Renewable Energy-Related Industries, Bio-chemMedical & Scientific Devices, Biotechnology, Education Sector, Halal Industries, Oil & Gas Downstream Activities
The Perak government has plans to create the Southern Perak Development Region encompassing the Batang Padang and Hilir Perak districts as the area is not within any economic development corridor. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the area’s overall development plan when fully complet
ed, would be officially forwarded to the federal government. “We want this area to be developed using the models of the economic development corridors or the Iskandar Malaysia Development Region in Johor,”
Historically, Ipoh developed into one of Malaysia’s main cities due to an early 19th century tin mining boom. During the British colonial era, it was Malaya’s second administrative centre after Kuala Lumpur. A post-independence economic decline let the city escape the towers of concrete that represented 1970
s ideals of progress and its colonial importance still shines in the grand old buildings, such as the railway station and the town hall, which complement the rows of shop houses. These days Ipoh is perhaps best known for its excellent restaurants, hawkers, and famous local dishes. Making a business trip to the city well worth the 2 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
A Few Things to Do
White Water Rafting: The excitement of rapids and get up close and personal with nature, experience an exotic and mystifying rainforest where the fastest butterflies swarm by the riverbank while you enjoy swimming in the river or jump from trees or just glide down the river on a raft.
Caving Gua Tempurung the largest limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia, Located close to the North South Highway provides the opportunity to explore in detail the insides of a limestone cave, experience the cave with a short tour or adventure into the far end of the cave by walking off the walkways and i
n the cave’s river.
The Lost World of Tambun Hot Springs and Spa, is Ipoh’s only water theme park, it provides great rides and entertainment for families and also organizes tours into the nearby limestone caves for those interested in eco-tourism. The recently opened a Petting Zoo allows children the opportunity to feed and pet a variety of animals.
Where to Stay
Finding the right place to stay is perhaps the most difficult decision when travelling outside the capital. The Casuarina Hotel at Meru is a new 146 guestrooms & suites Premier Business hotel strategically located within the heart of Bandar Meru Raya just outside of the centre of Ipoh, which can make travel in and around the area easier.
The Convention Centre, the Meru Raya Convention Centre, is the biggest pillarless convention hall in Ipoh with a seating capacity of 2500 pax with up-to-date audio-visual and meeting aids. With a modern contemporary concept, all rooms are spacious and equipped with luxurious guestrooms features. Combined with warm hospitality and the reputable ‘Casuarina’ service, your stay with us will truly be a memorable and fulfilling experience.
