PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater focus on developing local expertise among Malaysian youth to enhance national economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties.
Speaking at the launch of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) operations and maintenance employment initiative today, Anwar stressed that the nation must rely more on its internal strengths, especially in nurturing young professionals equipped with technical knowledge.
“We must first strengthen from within... our domestic economic resilience. Although we use foreign technologies, we must seek new methods, and this depends on our young people. With clear policies, it means we rely more on our abilities, to revitalise local businesses, management and expertise,” he said.
Anwar also urged young Malaysians who are offered opportunities to study or train abroad to remain disciplined and apply their knowledge at home to drive national development.
Citing the semiconductor sector as a success story, he noted how the industry has advanced rapidly, drawing strong foreign investment.
He said Malaysia was fortunate that global chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD) had expressed its intention to establish a base for advanced semiconductor packaging and design in Penang and Cyberjaya.
“In our meeting with the company, of course, I said ‘welcome’ because this means our youths will be trained and become more capable in mastering semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, and meet the demands of advanced packaging and front-end design,” Anwar said.
He also called on Malaysia’s solar energy industry to adopt a similar approach, following the United States' recent move to impose steep tariffs on China-based solar manufacturers.
“The US has imposed high tariffs on solar products made in China or by Chinese firms. So, should we just give up without taking advantage of this?
“We must be prepared by installing local solar systems in our buildings, whether they are government offices, schools, hospitals or private premises,” he said.
At the event, Anwar presented offer letters to several trainees selected for a year-long intensive training programme in Liuzhou, China, under the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL). The first group of 102 participants is scheduled to depart in stages beginning May 15.
Separately, Anwar met with AMD CEO Lisa Su and her delegation to discuss the company’s support for Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).
He said AMD welcomed the policy’s emphasis on strengthening local capabilities and diversifying global supply chains.
“For that reason, Malaysia remains optimistic about strategic partnership with a company like AMD which will position and spur the country in a better direction within the sector’s ecosystem over the long term,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.
The Prime Minister also visited the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to oversee preparations for the 46th ASEAN Summit, which will be held on May 26 and 27. He was joined by several senior ministers and the Inspector-General of Police.
Anwar later toured the ASEAN-Malaysia 2025 Chairmanship Security Training Centre, where a three-phase multi-agency simulation exercise is currently being held to strengthen security readiness for the summit.
The summit will bring together leaders from all 10 ASEAN member states to address regional issues, deepen economic cooperation, and champion inclusivity and sustainability—key themes under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.
This is Malaysia’s fifth time holding the ASEAN Chairmanship, having previously led the regional bloc in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. - May 6, 2025
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