Dr David Lacey has been appointed as the new British Honorary Consul in Penang, the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur announced on 11 August 2026. He succeeds Dato' Robert Hawkins MBE, who has retired after serving in the role for 20 years.

The High Commission said Lacey would help foster political, academic and commercial ties, working closely with Penang state government leaders and the local business community. His consular duties include visiting British nationals in hospitals or prisons, assisting with arrangements when a British citizen dies, and supporting the UK's response during crises. British High Commissioner to Malaysia H.E. Ajay Sharma CMG said Lacey would also support work with Penang and the northern region in the technology, digital and artificial intelligence sectors, and thanked Hawkins for his service.

Lacey is a semiconductor industry leader with experience in Europe, the USA and Malaysia, and chairs the Semiconductor Fabrication Association of Malaysia. He holds a D.Phil from the University of Sussex and was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science by Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2021. Aged 60, he has lived in Penang since 2001.