Medan: Penang is strengthening its regional ties through its participation in the 50th Pekan Raya Sumatera Utara (PRSU) Fair, held in Medan, Indonesia, from July 2 to Aug 2.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Penang State Secretary's Office announced that the state's participation, through the "Discover Penang" pavilion, aims to showcase Penang's rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions, investment opportunities, and world-class medical tourism services to the Indonesian public.

"The participation reflects the Penang government's continued commitment to strengthening strategic ties with North Sumatra, a partnership that has existed since 1980, while promoting the state's economic and tourism potential to the regional market. Visitors to the Penang Pavilion will enjoy an immersive experience highlighting the state's unique heritage and the distinction of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," the statement said.

The pavilion features interactive exhibits, including Penang's iconic street art, replicas of renowned local delicacies such as nasi kandar, pasembor, and char kuey teow, as well as live roti canai tossing demonstrations, all of which have become major attractions throughout the exhibition.

The state's Peranakan heritage is also showcased through an exclusive collection of Nyonya kebayas by Kenny Loh Couture, reflecting Penang's rich cultural identity and craftsmanship.

In the healthcare sector, the statement said Penang continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the region's leading medical tourism destinations. Visitors can learn more about the state's comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, high-quality medical services, and internationally recognised treatment facilities, further highlighting Penang's strengths in healthcare hospitality.

Beyond promoting tourism and culture, Penang's participation in PRSU 2026 also focuses on strengthening economic cooperation through business matching and product pitching sessions involving industry players from six key sectors, including manufacturing and investment. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for strategic collaboration, expand trade networks, and attract investments that will benefit both Penang and North Sumatra.

The statement added that PRSU 2026 provides an important platform to position Penang as a preferred ASEAN destination for tourism, healthcare, investment, and cultural exchange.