THE Penang government is actively encouraging multinational corporations (MNCs) to play a crucial role in cultivating the country’s digital future and developing the next generation of workforce.
Caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this during his speech at the opening ceremony of MentorConnect 2023, held at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) office in Bayan Lepas today.
“Driving the nation’s digital future does not only require support from the nation but also commitment and contribution from all other stakeholders involved.
“Therefore, there is a sustained need for a highly skilled workforce that is diverse and inclusive to steer the nation’s future in moving into the digital era.
“Taking advantage of this opportunity, MentorConnect will serve as a gateway for talents to flourish in this age of digital transformation, thus unlocking a multitude of opportunities for their growth and success,” he said.
Speaking about MentorConnect 2023, Chow said this is the seventh year that Dell Technologies Malaysia is organising the programme.
“This year, Motorola Solutions Malaysia is joining Dell Technologies to be a co-organiser for the programme.
“Hence, this shows their commitment to nurturing and growing our local talents and also to supporting industry collaboration.
“Such programme also demonstrates the private sector’s proactive contribution to attract, develop and retain talents,” he said.
Dell Technologies Malaysia managing director Pang Yee Beng, who was also present during the opening ceremony, said the aim of the MentorConnect programme was to harness the power of company-to-company relations as well as to inspire and empower team members.
“Participating companies will elect one mentor each and several mentees for the programme. The mentees then will be assigned to different mentors across the participating companies.
“For this year’s programme, the mentors are senior representatives from 11 participating companies with 130 mentees participating.
“And hopefully through this yearly programme, it can sharpen their leadership skills, broaden their network, and develop knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives,” Pang said.
Also present during the MentorConnect opening ceremony were caretaker state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng and Motorola Solutions Malaysia vice-president and managing director Solomon Lorthu.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis