THE Education Ministry has expressed admiration for the Penang STEM Talent Pipeline Development programmes proposed under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for implementation in 2026.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who met with state Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo at his office in Komtar today, commended the state for its strong commitment to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through a range of programmes and training initiatives tailored to meet industry demands.
Coordinated by Penang STEM, 13 programmes have been proposed under the stewardship of Jagdeep Singh, who oversees Human Capital, Science and Technology Development in the state.
“The nation is moving towards talent development in STEM and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), and we must engage with industry players. We have received positive feedback, and Penang is the first state to roll out such programmes,” Fadhlina briefly said at a press conference.
Jagdeep Singh said he was encouraged by Fadhlina’s presence and strong support for the initiatives.
He emphasised the importance of education, particularly in science and technology, in unlocking future opportunities for the younger generation.
“The state government is fully committed to advancing STEM development programmes and will continue to intensify efforts to raise STEM awareness.
“We are very proud that although Penang is the second smallest state in the country, we contribute 6.5% of the world’s semiconductor output,” Jagdeep said.
The 13 proposed initiatives include the construction of new schools, technical skills learning programmes, Stepup Wizkids, STEM Future-Proofing, Coding for All, Maker Lab Programme and Competition, Lab on Wheels, AI Skills for All, Fun Math (pilot), Penang Mathletes (pilot), Bright Sparks (pilot), Inisiatif Celik STEM, and the establishment of the Sekolah Islam Antarabangsa A-Mashoor.
Among those present at the meeting were Lim Siew Khim, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman; Lee Khai Loon, Machang Bubuk assemblyman; A. Kumaresan, Batu Uban assemblyman; Aniza Kamarulzaman, Director of the Department of Resources and Educational Technology, Education Ministry; Datuk Richard Chung, chief executive officer of Penang STEM; Khoo Boo Hooi, CEO of Tech Dome Penang; Johnny Ong, general manager of Penang Math Platform; Datuk Ong Bee Leng, CEO of Penang Women’s Development Corporation, and Dr Bugs Tan Yeow Kiang, Head of Skill Eduction, ViTriox Academy Sdn Bhd.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian