STEM blueprint to enhance semiconductor industry

The Penang state government is expected to introduce the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing talent shortages in the electrical, electronics, and semiconductor sectors.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the upcoming launch during the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) Merdeka Celebration dinner at G Hotel Gurney, highlighting the blueprint as a critical component of the state’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce.

A strategic move to enhance STEM talent

The Penang STEM Talent Blueprint is designed to ensure that Penang remains a competitive hub for global investment by developing a highly skilled workforce.

Chow emphasised that the blueprint will play a vital role in supporting the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and in driving long-term growth within Penang’s industrial and technological sectors.

“We want to invest in talent development to ensure Penang remains an attractive destination for global investment,” Chow stated.

The blueprint is part of a broader effort to fortify Penang’s standing in the semiconductor industry, particularly in areas such as Integrated Circuit (IC) Design, wafer fabrication, and advanced packaging.

These sectors are recognised as the future of the global semiconductor market, offering high-added value and positioning Penang as a crucial player in the international chip supply chain.

Penang’s bold steps in semiconductor innovation

In addition to the STEM Talent Blueprint, Penang is also set to launch the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ initiative, a flagship project that aims to enhance the state’s role in the semiconductor industry.

This initiative includes two key components: the IC Design and Digital Park, and the Penang Chip Design Academy.

These efforts are intended to create a comprehensive chip manufacturing ecosystem in Penang, enabling the expansion of large chip manufacturers while nurturing the growth of future global leaders in the semiconductor sector.

Chow also announced plans to launch the ‘Silicon Research and Incubation Space’ in the third quarter of this year.

This one-stop centre will provide essential support to chip design startups, offering shared facilities, consultation, and research capabilities to accelerate the introduction of new products within the 5km+ vicinity.

“We recognise that the front-end of the chip supply chain is the future,” Chow remarked, “and we are committed to creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth in this critical industry.”

As Penang continues to develop its semiconductor capabilities, the launch of the STEM Talent Blueprint and the Silicon Design @5km+ initiative underscore the state’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of technological innovation.

These initiatives are expected to attract significant investment and create a pipeline of skilled talent, ensuring that Penang remains a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

The Penang state government’s focus on STEM talent development and semiconductor innovation is set to bolster the state’s economic growth, with far-reaching benefits for both local industries and the broader Malaysian economy.

Source: Buletin Mutiara