THE state government is expected to launch its Penang STEM Talent Blueprint by the end of this quarter, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow emphasised that this talent blueprint reaffirms the state’s commitment to addressing talent shortages in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and semicon sectors.
“We want to invest in talent development to ensure Penang remains an attractive destination for global investment.
“This blueprint aims to build a highly skilled workforce that will underpin long-term growth in our state’s industrial and technological sectors, serving as a contributing focal point to the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS),” Chow announced this during the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) Merdeka Celebration dinner at G Hotel Gurney in George Town this evening.
Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Chinese vice consul-general in Penang Madam Ding Qiao, MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai and Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus.
Chow also shared that Penang is taking bold steps to introduce the Penang Silicon Design @5km+, a one of its kind flagship initiatives that aims to place Penang more integral than ever in the chip supply chain.
“We recognise that the front-end of the chip supply chain, including Integrated Circuit (IC) Design, wafer fabrication, and advanced packaging, is the future, offering a higher-added value in the global semicon market.
“Thus, we intend to create a comprehensive chip manufacturing ecosystem that allows the expansion of larger chip manufacturers while nurturing the growth of future global champions.
“Under this initiative, the state has thus far introduced two key components – IC Design and Digital Park, and the Penang Chip Design Academy,” he said.
Chow further announced that the state government plans to launch its ‘Silicon Research and Incubation Space’ in the third quarter of this year.
He explained this initiative is a one-stop centre aiming to support chip design startups by providing shared facilities and assets, consultation, and research capabilities to accelerate startups for new product introductions (NPI) within the 5km+ vicinity.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix and video by Alissala Thian