PENANG recognises the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education early on and has proactively promoted it.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state’s emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was also designed to bridge the technical gap, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
Speaking to the Netherlands ambassador to Malaysia Jacques Werner, Chow said the state government was mindful of the challenges of talent shortages in Penang and had implemented several initiatives to address them.
“We recently announced the establishment of the Penang Chip Design Academy, a collaborative effort with industry partners spearheaded by InvestPenang.
“This dedicated academy will be housed at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).
“The academy will be focusing on end-to-end design development and aims to cultivate talent for the Integrated Circuit (IC) Design ecosystem through upskilling and reskilling with academic training and hands-on experience.
“InvestPenang has already engaged with several companies, some of which have a long-standing partnership with the state. These factories can send their engineers for upskilling and reskilling, ensuring that our workforce remains competitive and well-prepared for future challenges,” Chow told Werner during the ambassador’s courtesy call on him in Komtar today.
Also present was the senior economic officer (high-tech and semiconductor) of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Malaysia Ang Kit Sin.
Chow said the state government was advocating for full Federal grants to support these initiatives.
“A matching grant would still require the state to provide 50% of the funding, which is a significant amount. Therefore, we are actively lobbying for full Federal support to ensure the success of our programmes and initiatives,” he added.
The meeting also touched on other key issues, such as water supply, traffic congestion, and ongoing infrastructure projects.
Chow highlighted that the state’s relationship with the Federal Government has significantly improved compared to previous years.
“The Prime Minister has been very supportive,” he noted, citing several key approvals, including the expansion of Penang International Airport and the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
Chow also emphasised the state’s commitment to addressing water supply matters in Penang.
“Several water projects concerning water treatment plants, barrages and the laying of new dedicated pipes will be implemented and completed in the next coming years.
“We are constantly looking for alternative raw water sources, and to have a more decentralised water system,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat