The Penang STEM Talent Blueprint, unveiled will be incorporated into Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), as announced by Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. This blueprint, which is backed by a portion of the RM25 billion earmarked for semiconductor initiatives, underscores the government's dedication to establishing Malaysia as a regional leader in manufacturing and services.
Speaking at the launch at Tech Dome Penang, Tengku Zafrul emphasized that the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint aligns with Malaysia’s broader goals, including the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the Green Investment Strategy (GIS). “This (blueprint) aligns perfectly with the objectives of our New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), NSS and the Green Investment Strategy (GIS)”, Tengku Zafrul said at the launch of the blueprint in Tech Dome Penang, Komtar here tonight.
A key goal of the blueprint is to help achieve the NSS objective of training 60,000 highly skilled Malaysian engineers by 2030. Emphasizing the significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the minister highlighted that Malaysia’s reindustrialization strategy depends greatly on cultivating STEM talent, which is vital for sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and green technologies.
“Malaysia is already the sixth-largest semiconductor exporter globally, but the industry, along with sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, and the digital economy, faces a global talent crunch. Developing a sustainable talent pipeline is essential”, Tengku Zafrul added. Penang has played a pivotal role in attracting high-value investments, particularly in the semiconductor sector, and continues to be a significant contributor to the national economy.
During the event, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow presented the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint to Tengku Zafrul. The blueprint’s goals include doubling STEM enrolment in secondary schools, increasing the number of STEM graduates from universities, enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) outputs, and encouraging more girls to pursue STEM education. Additionally, it aims to double the number of high-value job opportunities. To reach these objectives, the blueprint employs a comprehensive framework designed to develop a robust STEM talent pipeline from primary education through to post-tertiary levels.
