THE Penang government today announced the establishment of the Penang Chip Design Academy.
It is located at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) building in Bayan Lepas.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the objective is to support the state’s plan for the development of an Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and Digital Park.
He said the academy is a key component of the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint which is set to be launched next month.
“The Penang Chip Design Academy will be led by PSDC in collaboration with key industry players, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool providers, academia, and InvestPenang.
“The academy will be focusing on end-to-end design development and aims to cultivate talent for the IC Design ecosystem through upskilling and reskilling with academic training and hands-on experience.
“It is open for high-school leavers, university graduates, or existing talents who want to venture into the IC Design ecosystem.
“Our talent remains one of the key differentiators for Penang, along with the availability of a robust industrial network.
“We are committed to ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline to cater to industry demand in the state through this academy,” Chow announced in his keynote address before launching the Penang Career Discovery Day 2024 programme at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town this morning.
Also present were Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian.
Earlier, Chow also announced that Penang would have its own IC Design and Digital Park, within the Bayan Lepas Industrial Park.
Covering 105 acres within the Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, this project unfolds in two distinct phases. The first phase is currently underway, featuring the construction of two office buildings: GBS By The Sea and GBS TechSpace. These structures, totalling 350,000 sqft, represent an investment of RM347 million. Completion is slated for the fourth quarter of this year.
The park’s second phase introduces the establishment of another prominent structure, GBS TechnoPlex, at RM308 million. This addition will contribute an extra 500,000 sqft to the project by 2027.
Speaking about the programme, Loo said the programme is organised by InvestPenang in collaboration with the Penang GBS Focus Group and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
“The one-day programme managed to attract around 300 professionals, university/college students, and graduates, primarily from the schools of engineering, computer sciences/IT, business and management.
“Among the objectives are to promote the digital global business services (DGBS), research, design and development industries as preferred career choices among young individuals.
“Through this event, we provide an alternative platform for talent access to DGBS, research, design and development companies, as well as existing talents from various professional fields seeking job diversification opportunities. This includes returnees, particularly women who have taken career breaks, by offering job and internship opportunities as well,” she said.
Chow commended InvestPenang and its partners for organising the event, hoping that it will benefit the visitors who come today.
“It is with sincere hope that through this programme today, more synergies, ideas, and efforts can be coordinated to further enhance digitalisation efforts in the state, and at the same time, encourage new young talents to choose Penang as their career destination,” Chow added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi