Penang launches STEM plan to boost skilled workforce

Penang has officially launched its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Talent Blueprint to create a sustainable pool of skilled professionals for the region’s industrial future.

The blueprint, unveiled at Tech Dome Penang, is part of the state’s effort to support the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).

Penang’s vision for STEM workforce

Developed by the Penang STEM Working Group, the blueprint aims to build a highly skilled STEM workforce that can thrive in an evolving industrial landscape.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow explained that this plan will ensure Penang’s long-term success, aligning with national economic goals.

“The vision of this blueprint is to establish a highly skilled and sustainable STEM workforce, essential for Penang’s long-term success in an ever-evolving industrial and technological landscape,” Chow said.

He further outlined the blueprint’s mission, rooted in the ‘THRIVE’ principles — Transform, Hire, Retain, Invest, Value, and Enable — which aim to foster collaboration between government agencies and industry leaders to advance STEM development in Penang.

One of the blueprint’s major objectives is its ‘2X strategy,’ which focuses on doubling STEM enrolments in schools and universities, increasing technical and vocational education output, and significantly boosting the participation of women in STEM fields.

Flagship STEM projects and industry collaboration

A key highlight of the blueprint is the Penang Chip Design Academy, part of the larger ‘Penang Silicon Design @5km+’ initiative. This academy is intended to address the growing demand for chip design engineers, supporting Penang’s semiconductor industry.

Chow emphasized the blueprint’s potential to contribute to NIMP 2030 and NSS goals, especially in securing RM500 billion in investments under the NSS’s first phase.

He also noted the need for an estimated RM49.5 million in annual funding over the next six years to support the various programs.

Chow proposed a ‘Tripartite Funding Model’ that would include contributions from the state government, Federal Government, and industry partners to finance the STEM initiatives.

He also mentioned that Penang’s success in implementing the blueprint could serve as a national model.

“We will collaborate closely with CREST to implement this blueprint, which we believe will significantly impact the supply of STEM talent in Penang and across Malaysia,” Chow stated.

Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz praised the blueprint, calling it a crucial part of Malaysia’s strategy to build a skilled industrial workforce.

He highlighted the importance of this initiative in meeting industry demands and attracting investments.

“This whole-of-nation effort is crucial, not only in nurturing the right skilled talent to meet industry demands but also in signaling to potential investors that Malaysia is committed to addressing their talent needs,” Zafrul said.

The event concluded with Chow officially handing over the blueprint to Zafrul for integration into the NSS, signalling Penang’s dedication to supporting Malaysia’s industrial and technological growth.

Source: Buletin Mutiara