Bayan Baru (George Town)

 township, neighbourhood, residential neighbourhood

Bayan Baru is a township within the city of George Town. Located within the Bayan Lepas suburb, Bayan Baru is located approximately 11km south of the city centre. This booming township is sited adjacent to the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) and the Penang International Airport (PEN).

Construction of Bayan Baru began in 1972. The township was envisioned to provide housing for the employees and workers at the adjacent Bayan Lepas FIZ. Bayan Baru has grown rapidly ever since due to its strategic location and the concentration of available jobs within the vicinity, attracting migrants from other Malaysian states as well. In recent years, Bayan Baru has emerged as a hub for Shared Services Outsourcing (SSO) and Global Business Services (GBS), with multinational companies like Tesla, Jabil, Swarovski and Celestica operating offices within the township. These newer offices have provided a more diverse range of job opportunities alongside the manufacturing plants of the Bayan Lepas FIZ.

SPICE Arena, Penang's premier convention centre & indoor sports arena, is sited within Bayan Baru, as is Sunshine Square, the largest hypermarket that is owned by Sunshine, a Penang-based retail firm. Pantai Hospital, a private hospital under the ownership of Parkway Pantai, offers several specialist treatment options for the residents within Bayan Baru.