Ipoh, which dates back to the 1880s, began as a small village that grew along the banks of Kinta River. But it wasn’t until the first few decades of the 20th century, at the height if the tin mining industry in the Kinta Valley, when it bloomed and grew rapidly. Today, Ipoh is the third largest city and fifth most populous urban centre in Malaysia.

As the administrative capital of Perak State, Ipoh has seen steady growth over the years with the State Government continuously taking action to invigorate its development by improving investment climate through existing and up-and-coming industries together with improved infrastructure all around the state.

Located 165km south of Penang and 205km north of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh lies strategically along the North-South Highway, making it a popular stopover for travelers from the highway. Not just famous for its mouth-watering food and snacks, this city also draws a steady number of visitors to its historic monuments, and wonderful caves and temples.

In mid-2010, a change in Ipoh's skyline will herald a new landmark for the city. Called the Perak Tourism Hub, this 250 million ringgit development will be the centre of resource, commerce and entertainment for the region.

Visible from the North-South highway and a mere two-minute drive from the South Ipoh Exit, the Perak Tourism Hub aims to capitalize on the heavy traffic flow of North-South Highway users by offering various services to meet their every need. This, in turn, will increase the economic activity and create more business opportunities within the city and improve its standard of living.

Centrally located at the heart of Golden Triangle of “Ipoh Garden”, a fast growing township and it is surrounded by 4 major shopping malls which are Jusco, Tesco, Giants and Tesco Extra. With a direct access from Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Utara, it only takes 15 minutes drive from Ipoh Town and only within walking distance between Tesco and Jusco. Conceived and developed by Emerald Capital Group with the endorsement of the Perak State Government, the Perak Tourism Hub will make an excellent investment opportunity for the future.

Consisting of a tourist information centre, a shopping arcade and serviced apartments, together with the equipment of latest IT, telecommunication and security facilities, Perak Tourism Hub will be the preferred venue for all North South Highway travelers and will soon become a “Must-Stop-Centre” in the region.

It houses the first and most comprehensive Tourist Information Center complete with intelligent features such as audio and video presentation, ticket booths, itinerary planner, interactive map and other services for tourists. Perak Tourism Hub will be the longest arcade mall in Ipoh that featuring the longest pedestrian walkway and al fresco dining.