The Penang STEM Talent Blueprint, launched today, will be integrated into Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The blueprint, supported by part of the RM25 billion allocated to implement semiconductor strategies, highlights the government’s commitment to positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for manufacturing and services.
Speaking at the launch at Tech Dome Penang, Tengku Zafrul emphasised 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.
One of the primary objectives of the blueprint is to support the NSS target of training 60,000 highly skilled Malaysian engineers by 2030.
Recognising the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the minister noted that Malaysia’s reindustrialisation strategy relies heavily on the development of STEM talent, which is crucial for industries like 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.
The Penang STEM Talent Blueprint was handed over by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to Tengku Zafrul during the event. The blueprint aims to double STEM enrolment in secondary schools, increase STEM graduates from universities, boost Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) outputs, and encourage more girls to pursue STEM education. It also targets a twofold increase in high-value job opportunities.
To achieve these goals, the blueprint adopts a comprehensive framework to build a strong STEM talent pipeline from primary education through to post-tertiary levels.
