THE Penang government, through InvestPenang and Penang Development Corporation (PDC), is relentlessly trying to address the issue of land readiness faced by the manufacturing industry.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the earthwork and installation of infrastructure to prepare the land for industries could take about two years, which is a crucial period for investors.
“Another issue which we are facing is the shortage of talent. The state welcomes the collaboration of stakeholders in the industry and academicians to jointly address this issue,” Chow said during a meeting with the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) delegates at his office in Komtar today.
MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai introduced and highlighted the four objectives of MSIA.
“MSIA was registered in January last year and was launched on April 6 last year.
“The association has four main objectives, namely, R&D technology, ecosystem, advocacy, and global competitiveness.
“We have 194 members as of this month. The association has conducted several corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes which benefitted the community.
“We have also organised several key seminars and programmes last year, including the Malaysia National E&E Forum 2021,” Wong said.
Chow said the Penang government appreciated the initiatives and contributions by MSIA.
“We appreciate the initiatives taken by the association which was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic period. The association is strongly supported by the industry,” he said, adding that talent programmes are very much needed in the state.
Among other issues brought up were land lease premium rates for industrial land, and the upcoming MSIA (Penang Chapter) 50th anniversary celebration dinner.
Also present were MSIA director Andrew Chan, Deloitte executive director Ng Lan Kheng, Celestica (Malaysia, Singapore, Japan) operations vice-president Yong Chong Chin, Plexus APAC regional president Victor Tan, Globetronics chief executive officer Heng Charng Yee, and SkyeChip chief executive officer Fong Swee Kiang.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud