THE Technological Association Malaysia (TAM) is planning to set up the Asean Technical Hub in Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was informed by TAM that the technical hub aimed to attract and train technical experts such as engineers, technicians and technologists within the Asean region to the state.
“I am glad that the association has envisioned a new milestone for our beloved state. The hub hopes to lead with its vision and mission in the development of technological advancement in our region.
“Indeed, with the investments pouring in, technical human resources are very much in demand in Penang.
“The state government also is cognisant that the development of a robust and skilled talent pool is imperative to support the growth of strategic industries in Penang.
“Holding on to that, the state government through its various agencies such as Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) and Penang STEM has been consistently implementing multifaceted approaches in talent attraction and development.
“We are also grateful for TAM’s involvement and active collaboration with the state agencies, as well as with higher learning institutions, industry players, and relevant bodies, towards fulfilling the future need for talents in various technical fields.
“Thus, I strongly believe that strong public-private partnerships with concerted efforts in supporting talent development are key to Penang’s continued success,” Chow said in his speech during the 75th anniversary of TAM Conference: Innovations In Engineering Technology 2022 (iTech2022) at the Ship Campus in Batu Kawan today.
Also present were TAM president Yam Teong Sian, iTech2022 organising chairman Ting Chek Choon and Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio.
Yam said more information about the Asean Technical Hub in Penang would be announced soon.
In the same programme, TAM was awarded the MBR certificate in recognition as ‘The longest-serving technical society in Malaysia’.
Yam received the award from Dr Tio while witnessed by Chow during the ceremony today.
Yam said the association was founded in 1946.
“So, 76 years have passed since our association was established. We are very happy with the award. It is a great honour for us to receive such recognition from MBR.
“Our association is an organisation for all levels and disciplines of technologists, from the professionals to students and everyone whose career is technological in nature.
“Our association for technologists is intimately concerned with the advances in technological progress as well as the pursuit of knowledge in the field of technology.
“We also aim to bring about a clearer understanding and appreciation of technology, and to instil among members an impelling desire to achieve professional competence and the highest standard of technological skills,” he said.
Speaking about the conference today, Ting said it was a platform for the association members to share, learn, and be exposed to some of the most cutting-edge technological innovations available nowadays.
“I believe that the topic of discussion of today’s conference is of paramount importance as technical strength is a key factor in determining a country’s future direction,” he said.
At the same programme, TAM launched its 75th-anniversary commemorative book entitled ‘TAM: Technological Progress towards World Class Excellence’.
The book with rich history about the association is captured and authored in two years by a team of voluntary editors led by Prof Datuk Dr Eric Goh Kok Hoe.
On a separate matter, Chow said the state government is optimistic to provide sufficient industrial land in the next five years to meet the investors’ demand.
“Land acquisition and infrastructure works are currently being conducted by the state agency namely Penang Development Corporation (PDC).
“It is an ongoing process but we are confident that we will be able to make the land available for the industry needs in the next five years,” said Chow.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad