NCIA supports Budget 2025’s vision for growth

The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has expressed strong support for Budget 2025, recognising its alignment with NCER’s long-term strategy for economic growth and sustainable development.

NCIA Chief Executive Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan highlighted that the budget’s focus on technology, green energy, and infrastructure complements NCIA’s mission to position the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) as a leader in high-value sectors, including semiconductors, energy, and agro-tech.

Developing talent and technology for high-value industries

NCIA is focused on talent development to boost the high-tech workforce in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and sustainable technologies.

Through NTIC, the agency collaborates closely with industry and academia to ensure a skilled workforce for the future.

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) at NTIC plays a crucial role in empowering local SMEs, equipping them to integrate into high-value sector supply chains.

These initiatives not only enhance local capabilities but also support innovation and the growth of SMEs across NCER, creating a vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem.

“Through our Advanced Technology Manufacturing and Packaging (ATMP) initiative under the NCER Technology Innovation Centre (NTIC), we are committed to supporting skill enhancement in high-tech industries,” said Haris.

“This aligns perfectly with the budget’s emphasis on talent development to drive growth in critical industries,” he added, emphasising NCIA’s focus on regional equity and the budget’s vision for fair distribution of economic benefits across NCER states.

Infrastructure and regional equity in focus

Infrastructure projects are also a priority in Budget 2025.

Haris cited the planned Lebuhraya Bertingkat Juru and Sungai Dua as a solution to alleviate traffic congestion in Seberang Perai, a critical move for socio-economic development across Penang, Kedah, and Perak.

He emphasised that NCIA’s mission resonates deeply with the budget’s commitment to regional equity, stating, “The fair distribution of economic benefits across all NCER states is essential to uplift communities throughout the Northern Region.”

Another transformative project, the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) in Northern Perak, promises to stimulate socio-economic growth, benefiting not only Perak but also Southern Kedah and Penang.

Haris affirmed NCIA’s commitment to promoting green investments in KIGIP, bolstered by NTIC’s focus on talent and industrial ecosystem development.

NCIA aims to collaborate with federal and state governments and private partners to ensure the Northern Corridor becomes a hub for innovation and sustainable development.

This commitment aligns with Malaysia MADANI’s vision of a resilient, inclusive, high-income nation.