“We were here since five this morning. What is five hours, compared to the 30 years we have been waiting IKEA to come here?” said Mr Lee and his family queuing as some of the first visitors. Today marks the opening of our eighth store and the newest member of our growing IKEA Southeast Asia family.

“Welcome to our housewarming party for our new IKEA home in Penang. Now, we are finally ready to be the best we can to serve the many people of Penang and North Malaysia. From all of us at IKEA Southeast Asia: Thank you!” said Christian Roejkjaer, MD of IKEA Southeast Asia, during the opening ceremony.

Sharing the extraordinary experience it has been to be a part of building IKEA Batu Kawan, Store manager Pathmalingam Arumugam said: “I was born and raised in a small community about 45 minutes from here. So, returning home to build this store remains a sentimental journey for me. This day will not be possible without our finest team of over 300 co-workers! Now, let’s go out there and give our customers the great and unique IKEA store experience they have been waiting for!”