PENANG has officially launched its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Talent Blueprint at Tech Dome Penang, Komtar, this evening.
The blueprint was developed by the Penang STEM Working Group, a special committee comprising InvestPenang, Penang Institute, Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), Motorola Solutions, Pentamaster, and Intel.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz officiated the launch.
Chief Minister Chow highlighted that the primary goal of the blueprint is to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled STEM professionals to support Penang’s industrial future, aligning with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).
“The vision of this blueprint is to establish a highly skilled and sustainable STEM workforce, essential for Penang’s long-term success in an ever-evolving industrial and technological landscape,” Chow said.
He added that the blueprint’s mission is anchored in the ‘THRIVE’ principles – Transform, Hire, Retain, Invest, Value, and Enable – which focus on collaboration between government agencies to implement policies and frameworks that foster STEM development.
Chow also noted the blueprint’s ambitious ‘2X strategy’, which aims to double the number of STEM enrollments in secondary schools, increase STEM graduates from universities, boost STEM-related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) output, and significantly raise the participation of girls in STEM fields.
The strategy also seeks to double the number of high-value jobs in the region.
One of the flagship projects within the blueprint is the Penang Chip Design Academy, part of the ‘Penang Silicon Design @5km+’ initiative, which aims to meet the growing demand for chip design engineers.
“We are confident that the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint will contribute significantly to the missions and goals of NIMP 2030 and the NSS, particularly in ensuring a steady supply of technical and engineering talents to support the targets of attracting at least RM500 billion in investments under Phase I of the NSS,” Chow stated.
Addressing the existing talent gap in Penang, Chow revealed that an estimated annual funding of RM49.5 million is needed over the next six years to support the various programmes and initiatives outlined in the blueprint.
He proposed a ‘Tripartite Funding Model’ involving contributions from the state, Federal Government, and industry partners.
“We will collaborate closely with CREST (Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology), an agency under MITI, to implement this blueprint, which we firmly believe will positively impact the supply of STEM talent in Penang and across Malaysia,” Chow said.
He also expressed Penang’s willingness to share its expertise and experiences with other states, suggesting that this blueprint could serve as a model for national replication.
Chow commended InvestPenang and the Penang STEM Working Group for their dedication in bringing the blueprint to fruition.
“Thank you for your tireless efforts in making the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint a reality. May Penang continue to contribute to our national aspirations while solidifying its position as the nation’s premier investment destination,” he concluded.
Zafrul also expressed his support, noting that MITI welcomes the Penang government’s STEM Talent Blueprint as a key initiative for developing a robust industrial talent pipeline.
“This whole-of-nation effort is crucial, not only in nurturing the right skilled talent to meet industry demands but also in signaling to potential investors that Malaysia is committed to facilitating their investments and addressing their talent needs.
“In short, this STEM Talent Blueprint will pave the way for making Malaysia a regional manufacturing and services hub, reinforcing our value proposition as a global starting point,” he said.
At the conclusion of the event, Chow formally handed over the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint to Zafrul for integration into the NSS, which falls under his ministry’s purview.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, who is also the Tanjong MP, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian