GEORGE TOWN – Penang aims to produce a new generation of world-class engineers as global semiconductor revenue is poised to increase to US$11.4 trillion (RM50 trillion) by 2035.
During the Semicon Southeast Asia opening press conference held at Setia SPICE today, Invest Penang director Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon told the press that despite the shortage of talent in the state, it is doing what it can to boost interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through programmes among primary, secondary, and university students.
Lee pointed out however the ball is now in the general public’s court to make use of these opportunities and sustain the talent pool in Penang.
At present, Lee said, there are currently 300,000 people employed in the industry with an approximate total income of RM500 million a month.
He said this income reflects a significant multiplier effect on the Penang economy’s possible spending power.
SEMI Global president and chief executive officer Ajit Manocha also addressed the situation, stating that enrolment for STEM subjects has dropped 2% in Western countries, causing the foundational STEM population to go down.
“If we don’t bring in and cultivate STEM talent now, we are going to have a bigger problem in the near future where there is a reliance on it but not enough talent.
“Every government should play a role to inspire children and parents to enter the STEM field.
“Maybe the government will have STEM programmes whereby the government can sponsor STEM tertiary education for children.
“Retaining and growing talent is a partnership between the private sector, government, and people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the programme, addressed the shortage of land issues as space in Batu Kawan Industrial Park has been almost completely taken up after being promoted for the past decade.
“We are looking at 121.4ha of land at Bandar Cassia Technology Park and another 242.8ha at East Batu Kawan, which is expected to be ready from 2024 onwards.
“There is also land acquired at Batu Kawan Industrial Park 2 consisting of a few thousand acres in Byram, Nibong Tebal.
“Forthcoming land is available in Seberang Prai Utara within the next 10 years, but all of these are still works in progress and are not open for enquiry by investors,” he said.
With these plans put in place, Penang’s economy is expected to rise in the years to come.
Semicon Southeast Asia 2022 is the region’s premier gathering of the semiconductor and microelectronics industry and has opened its doors for three days to encourage regional industry engagement.
The event held from June 21 to 23 will connect semiconductor manufacturing equipment companies, private and public partners, and other key industry stakeholders to explore new collaboration and growth opportunities. – The Vibes, June 21, 2022
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