CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow today launched the FutureTech Academy, marking the rebranding of Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) into a future-focused institution aimed at strengthening Penang’s long-term competitiveness in high-value industries and supporting Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions.
It will equip the state’s future workforce with skills in semiconductors, automation, artificial intelligence, big data, IC design and other advanced technologies.
“I feel very proud and amazed to witness this transformation of PSDC, which has become an important engineering skills training institution not only for Penang but also for Malaysia,” Chow said at the launch ceremony held at PSDC.
He described the rebranding as timely and necessary to meet the demands of a fast-changing global economy.
“In line with new technological needs, PSDC also has to provide courses in these high-tech fields.
“The management has taken a bold decision to rebrand PSDC into FutureTech Academy powered by PSDC to reflect a new emphasis on future technologies,” he said.
Chow also linked the initiative to national strategies, noting that it would contribute towards the government’s plan to train 60,000 engineers under the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).
“This is a very good transition to support the country’s industrial strategy and the National Semiconductor Strategy. I hope this effort will help Malaysia produce many more skilled professionals in this high-value sector,” he said.
He highlighted PSDC’s strong foundation of having trained more than 257,000 participants through 13,000 programmes in the past 34 years.
“The FutureTech Academy will now build on this legacy,” he said, adding that the next generation of people would benefit from this initiative.
Chow stressed that the success of such initiatives depends not only on government and industry support, but also on the active involvement of youth.
“Through consistent dialogue with our youth, we can shape a smarter and stronger future for Penang,” he said.
He also called on industry stakeholders to continue working with the state in nurturing a robust talent ecosystem.
“Your support is critical. We need your continuous partnership to keep building this talent ecosystem, to guide our youth, and to ensure Penang stays ahead in a very competitive global market,” he said.
On a wider economic outlook, Chow noted that Malaysia remains in a relatively competitive position despite global tariff headwinds.
He said potential investment diversions to Penang would heighten the need for skilled manpower.
“That is why we must make sure our talent pool is ready to take up the high-value jobs that will soon be offered,” he said.
Chow further pointed to Penang’s continuing efforts to cement its place in the global supply chain, saying initiatives such as Penang Silicon Design @ 5km+, which aligns with both the National Semiconductor Strategy and NIMP 2030.
Chow also pledged the state’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, streamlining regulations, reducing the cost of doing business, investing in STEM and engineering talent, and building supply chain resilience.
PSDC Management Council chairman Datuk Solomon Lorthu said the rebranding of PSDC is aimed at catering to the growing demand of the industry.
“The FutureTech Academy is more than a rebranding exercise. It is a reinvention and a renewed promise to our students, industry members, university partners, and the nation,” he said.
Solomon added that the academy would play an integral role in the national development and remain a trusted partner to the industry.
Also present at the launch were PSDC chief executive officer Dr Hari Narayanan, PSDC Management Council vice-chairman Dr Matin Ng, and PSDC Management Council deputy chairman Glen Brownlie.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat