BAYAN LEPAS, August 20 — Food Bayana, Southeast Asia’s first semi-automated food hub, has officially opened in Penang’s Bayan Lepas area, setting a new standard in the region’s food and beverage industry. Launched by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, this innovative food court merges digital payment systems and robotics to create a unique dining experience.
Customers place their orders at the food stalls, and robots deliver the meals to designated food lockers, notifying customers via their phones when their food is ready for pickup. The design of Food Bayana was a response to the challenges of maximizing the 25,000 square feet of space available. According to Food Bayana Chairman Datuk Chua Choon Siang, the team opted for a two-storey structure with food stalls on the ground floor and dining areas above.
The integration of automated robots, capable of moving between floors via elevators, addressed the challenge of efficiently delivering food to customers seated upstairs. Developed by Pentamaster Corporation Berhad, the food court is a testament to the company’s expertise in automation and delivery systems. The venue, which includes 31 stalls featuring a variety of cuisines, is set to become an iconic landmark in Penang, offering both a modern and eco-friendly dining option.
Notably, some of the stalls are operated by Michelin-recommended vendors, including the famous Penang Laksa from Penang Road. Chief Minister Chow praised the project for its incorporation of cutting-edge technology and its potential to add value to the surrounding area. He expressed confidence that Food Bayana would serve as a model for other industrial zones, further enhancing Penang’s reputation as a hub of innovation and progress in the food industry.
