THE Penang government has received a further boost today as a key industry player and giant electronic manufacturer in Malaysia, Flextronics Technology Sdn Bhd, contributed RM93,000 to support the state government’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programmes.
In a brief sponsorship mock cheque handover ceremony, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, on behalf of the Penang government, thanked the corporate giant for being a strong supporter and a significant sponsor of the state’s STEM-related programmes since 2019.
“So far, Flextronics has generously contributed RM260,000, including the mock cheque of RM93,000 today.
“This is to support the STEM-related programmes that have benefited about 14,830 students, teachers and working adults in Penang.
“In addition, it is worthy of mentioning that Flextronics is one of the two companies that has adopted several schools under the StepUP programme, while actively taking part in talks and seminars organised by Penang STEM.
“We fervently hope that Flextronics will continue to lead the way in supporting the state’s STEM initiatives and inspire others to do the same.
“It is our goal that by 2030, talents will be abundant, and no manufacturing firms will face obstacles in talent recruitment,” Chow said during his speech at the event in Komtar today.
It was learnt that a total of RM2.18 million has been allocated by the Penang government for various STEM-related activities under the Penang State Budget this year.
Penang’s demand for skilled workers is being outpaced by supply in the state. It is difficult for industries to retain highly skilled workers as well as to hire talent.
This is despite Penang being one of the nation’s top exporters in December last year.
“To address this issue, the state through its mission of ‘Creating Future Talent’ has been actively working to promote STEM education and ensure that the labour market in Penang remains relevant to the needs of the industry.
“Tech Dome Penang, Penang Science Cluster, Penang Math Platform, Penang Digital Library and the Penang Skills Development Centre are some of the STEM centres within the Penang STEM ecosystem that are stepping up efforts to offer technical and academic learning opportunities for students and school leavers, as well as adults,” Chow added.
Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, Penang STEM general manager Richard Chung, Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer William Khoo Boo Wooi, Penang Math Platform general manager Johnny Ong and Flextronics A1 general manager Chee Khang Chan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi