Ipoh - sleepy foodie stopover wakes up to new potential

Singapore

SURROUNDED by mountains, lakes and rivers, Ipoh is better known to Singaporeans for its hor fun (stewed flat rice noodles) than as a business hub, unlike bigger Malaysian cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

But its location in the state of Perak, which lies between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, as well as a growing talent pool are increasingly proving to be a draw to businesses. According to businessmen in Ipoh, growing domestic tourism is encouraging more locals to return to the city and explore its potential.