CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow is confident that if Penang continues to strengthen its ties with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the state’s human capital development will only get better considering the state’s rapid growth in areas vital towards the country’s economy.
He said this after attending the National Human Capital Conference and Exhibition 2023 appreciation dinner at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.
Organised by HRD Corp for the first time outside of Klang Valley, NHCCE 2023 was aimed to bring together industry experts to discuss the role of HR 5.0 in shaping the future of our workforce.
The programme is in collaboration with the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).
The two-day conference and exhibition, which started today at the SPICE Convention Centre, will end tomorrow.
“I was delighted to learn that the first day of the conference was a resounding success.
“The speakers’ ability to incorporate local perspectives and context into their discussions was impressive.
“Furthermore, I was pleased to hear that all the discussion tracks developed by HRD Corp were catered to the specific needs of our industry players in the northern region.
“I am confident that tomorrow’s sessions will be equally enlightening and engaging, and I eagerly anticipate joining you all.
“This conference, along with tonight’s dinner, symbolises the spirit of friendship and camaraderie between Penang’s industry players and HRD Corp as they join forces to propel Malaysia’s human capital onto the global stage.
“Moving forward, I firmly believe that such collaborative efforts should not end with the conclusion of NHCCE 2023.
“Instead, we must strengthen these partners and develop more strategic initiatives to enhance our workforce and talent development endeavours,” Chow said in his speech.
Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar, who was present at the dinner, urged the training community in Penang to enhance their training contents and delivery.
“Platforms such as the NHCCE goes a long way in helping the ministry to achieve these priorities and more.
“Therefore, I urge more industry players to come and join us at all the upcoming regional NHCCE events in the next few months.
“Enhance training will simultaneously enhance our skills and competency by 35 per cent of skill workforce towards high-income nations by 2030, thus reducing our dependency on low-skill foreign labour,” Sivakumar said during his speech.
Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak was present to grace the dinner, which was attended by many key industry players in the state.
The night was made even more special as multinational companies, training providers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based in Penang were recognised with appreciation certificates each.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, Ministry of Human Resources deputy secretary general (operations) Datuk Hajah Norison Ramli, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and HRD Corp chief executive officer Datuk Shahul Dawood.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat