PENANG is intensifying efforts to build a future-ready talent pipeline through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, with nearly 85,000 students participating in STEM-related programmes during the first half of this year alone.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state government viewed STEM as a key priority due to Penang’s position as a highly industrialised state with a mature manufacturing ecosystem that increasingly requires high-skilled talent.
“Penang is an industrial state with a very mature industry. Today, we talk about high-tech, deep-tech and artificial intelligence (AI). The type of industry we have here requires talent, and STEM is all about creating that talent,” he said.
Jagdeep was speaking at a STEM-related engagement programme at his office in Komtar today.
Jagdeep said nurturing talent through STEM education was crucial to ensuring Penang remained competitive and capable of meeting future industry demands.
According to him, a series of talent development programmes had been implemented under the state’s talent pipeline initiatives during the first half of 2026.
These included AI Fundamentals programmes for primary school students, including those from Tamil schools, community classes, STEM-Up programmes, introductory AI and data science classes for lower secondary students, as well as Technical Skills Learning (TSL) programmes introduced in collaboration with higher learning institutions.
Jagdeep listed out the initiatives had reached a total of 84,932 students through programmes organised by various stakeholders, including Penang Science Cluster and Tech Dome Penang.
“This is something extremely commendable. The numbers reflect the hard work and commitment of all parties involved. More importantly, they show that we are preparing our students with skills that will remain relevant to industry in the years ahead,” he said.
Describing the effort as part of Penang’s strategy to “future-proof” the state, Jagdeep said several major STEM programmes had been lined up for the remainder of the year.
Among them are the Technical Skills Learning Convocation in September, the AI Fundamentals Project Showcase in December, the Apex Bootcamp in August under the Mathematics and Data Science (MADS) platform, and the Great English and Mathematics Stars (GEMS) programme in October.
He also highlighted two major international events that Penang will host later this year.
The first is AI Horizon, scheduled for Oct 6 and 7, which will serve as a dedicated conference focusing on artificial intelligence and is expected to attract participants and experts from various countries.
“We will be hosting the first AI Horizon conference in Penang. Many countries and industry players are expected to participate, making it a pioneering event not only for Malaysia but potentially for the region as well,” he said.
The second event is the Penang International Science Fair (PISF), which will be held on Nov 21 and 22.
Jagdeep said the fair would feature a broader range of science and technology-related topics and was expected to attract an even larger international audience.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to investing in education and talent development, stressing that STEM education remained a critical component of Penang’s long-term growth strategy.
“We are investing in the future. Through education and STEM-related initiatives, we want to ensure that future generations in Penang are given every opportunity to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world,” he said.
Among those present during the engagement programme were Penang STEM chief executive officer Datuk Richard Chung, Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi and Pentamaster Group executive chairman Chuah Choon Bin.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad