PENANG is well-positioned to take the lead in the Low Altitude Economy (LAE), leveraging its strengths in the drone industry’s value chain, including sensors, semiconductor chips, communication systems, software and artificial intelligence (AI) for applications in agriculture, logistics and disaster management.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state’s existing strengths in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector and precision engineering, coupled with initiatives such as Penang Silicon Design @5km+ and the Penang Chip Design Academy, placed it on the right track to capitalise on opportunities in the emerging sector.
“This calls for strategic collaboration between the state and Federal governments, involving the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), Transport Ministry, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
“Such cooperation would help position Penang as a national pilot project site, in line with the Malaysia Drone Technology Action Plan 2030 (MDTAP30) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030),” he said.
Jagdeep (PH–Datok Keramat) was speaking during his winding-up speech at the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting in Light Street.
On talent development and future strategic planning, Jagdeep, who oversees the state’s Human Capital Development, Science and Technology portfolios, said student participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes had reached 303,491 between 2023 and 2025 through initiatives organised by Penang Science Cluster, Tech Dome Penang and Penang STEM.
To sustain this momentum, he said the Penang STEM Talent Pilot Project was launched on Aug 10 this year at Tech Dome Penang by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
“The initiative received an allocation of RM12.3 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) for the 2026–2030 period, with the aim of training more than 100,000 students through four key programmes, each with clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs).
“Firstly, the IGNITE: STEM Education for the Younger Generation programme by Tech Dome Penang targets 20,000 Year Four to Year Six pupils, with 80% of participants expected to demonstrate increased interest in science.
“Secondly, the IGNITE: MathQuest programme by Penang Math Platform aims to reach 7,360 students, with 60% expected to show improvements in their Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik (UASA) Mathematics grades.
“Thirdly, the EMBED: AI-On-Wheels programme by Penang Science Cluster targets 80,000 Form One students, with a 15% improvement in generative AI literacy scores and 60% of participants expected to demonstrate an interest in pursuing STEM streams.
“Fourthly, the EMBED: Technical Skill Learning programme by Penang STEM Sdn Bhd aims to equip 4,000 upper secondary students with technical skills, with 70% expected to complete the programme and obtain certification, preparing them for entry into the workforce or further studies,” he said.
Jagdeep added that the state government, through Tech Dome Penang, had also outlined a comprehensive line-up of programmes for 2027.
“These include STEM Showcase, AI Horizon and Robomania, which are expected to benefit up to 50,000 students directly while further nurturing their interest in science,” he said.
He said the state government would also continue implementing various high-impact annual initiatives to strengthen students’ academic abilities and soft skills.
“Among them was the APEX Bootcamp, which serves as a platform for students to showcase their projects and undergo assessments of their technical competencies.
“The programme involved 400 students from 41 secondary schools across Penang this year, while participation for 2027 was expected to range between 350 and 400 students,” he said.
Jagdeep added that the state government would continue supporting the annual Penang International Science Fair (PISF), organised by Penang Science Cluster.
“The fair is expected to attract up to 60,000 participants next year, providing an interactive platform to nurture young people’s interest in science, technology and innovation,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal