HUMAN capital development is pivotal in driving and sustaining economic growth, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo emphasised at the State Legislative Assembly in Light Street today.
Jagdeep (PH-Datok Keramat), who also chairs the Human Capital Development, Science and Technology Committee, highlighted the importance of a highly skilled workforce in supporting the transition of economic sectors towards knowledge-intensive activities in technology and innovation.
Jagdeep (PH-Datok Keramat) said that a highly skilled workforce is essential to support the transition of all economic sectors toward activities that intensify knowledge in technology and innovation.
“The state government has outlined comprehensive policies and strategies to ensure that Penang will have an advantage in competing to attract and retain young talent.
“On Sept 24, the state government launched the ‘STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Talent Blueprint to highlight the long-term plans for skill development.
“This is to align with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) to develop a skilled and sustainable workforce to meet the industrial demand in Penang,” he added.
Jagdeep also said that the Penang Strategy for Economic Ecosystem Development (2023-2028) is an action plan that encompasses both short-term (two years) and long-term (five years) strategies.
“The plan underscores the critical role of talent in the infrastructure and transport sectors to drive the dynamic ecosystem in Penang.
“With this, we can transform Penang into a state with a high-income economy.
“This aligns with the Penang2030 vision, specifically Theme B, which aims to propel strategic sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, creative industries, business, and agricultural services,” he said.
As a hub for electrical, electronics, and manufacturing industries, Jagdeep stressed the need for more skilled technical workers.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Penang Science Cluster and Tech Dome Penang in promoting STEM education.
“We prioritise women’s participation in STEM through programmes such as Girls In Engineering & Tech programme by the Penang Science Cluster.
“Since its establishment in 2016, Tech Dome Penang has conducted 4,394 STEM workshops involving 300 schools in Penang and 200 schools across Peninsular Malaysia, with over 500,070 students participating,” he said.
Jagdeep also said that the existence of 450 multinational companies (MNCs) and over 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Penang, offers vast opportunities to develop a skilled workforce in STEM.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud