PLLACE Final Conference

The PLLACE Final Conference marks the culmination of the Penang Living Lab for Advancing the Creative Economy (PLLACE) research project. This one-day conference brings together researchers, policymakers, creative practitioners, and industry stakeholders to share key findings and reflect on insights gathered throughout the project.

Over the past two years, PLLACE has examined the development of Penang’s creative economy from multiple perspectives. The research explored the policy environment shaping the sector, the skills and workforce needs of creative practitioners, and the role of cultural heritage as a driver of innovation and economic value. It also assessed how collaborative Living Lab approaches can support more inclusive and evidence-informed policymaking.

At the conference, the research team will present key findings on the policy conditions and support structures influencing creative sector growth, insights from a skills audit of Penang’s creative workforce, and an analysis of how cultural heritage can be embedded within creative and innovative practices. The conference will also reflect on how co-creation and stakeholder engagement contribute to more sustainable and responsive strategies for developing the creative economy.

Together, these insights provide an integrated view of the opportunities and challenges facing Penang’s creative industries. The conference offers a platform to share evidence-based findings and engage in dialogue on future directions for strengthening the sector.

Who Should Attend

This conference is intended for:

• Policymakers and public-sector agencies
• Creative practitioners and cultural workers
• Researchers and students in creative industries, arts, and cultural studies
• Creative entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders
• Anyone interested in the future of Penang’s creative economy

Conference Details

• Date: 9 April 2026
• Venue: Penang Institute, 10, Jalan Brown, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Itinerary

Arrival and registration will begin at 9:00 AM, with light refreshments provided.

Key Activties included:

• Welcome and Introduction
• Guest Address and Certificate Presentation
• Strategies and Challenges in Developing Creative Industries in World Heritage Cities: The Case of Penang, Malaysia
• Upskilling Penang's creative workers
• Modern Creative Economy Transformation of Traditional Industries: A Case Study of Penang 
• The Application of a Living Lab Method in the Creative Economy  
• Coffee Break 
• Panel Discussion
• Concluding Remarks 
• Lunch and Networking 

About PLLACE

The Penang Living Lab for Advancing the Creative Economy (PLLACE) is a research-driven initiative aimed at strengthening Penang’s creative sector through collaborative research, policy-oriented analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Funded by the British Academy (UK), the project is jointly undertaken by researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Greenwich, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The final conference represents the closing phase of the PLLACE project, providing a platform to disseminate research outcomes, share insights with key stakeholders, and support evidence-based discussions on the future direction of Penang’s creative industries.

Contact Us

For further enquiries, please email jiahui.bea@usm.my. You may also follow our updates on LinkedIn and Facebook under our project name.