PENANG is strengthening its position as a regional hub for talent development and innovation through a series of international partnerships spanning China and India, according to Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo.
The state government has secured six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) this year with leading educational, scientific and healthcare institutions from the two countries, paving the way for greater collaboration in human capital development, knowledge exchange and future investments in Penang.
Speaking during a Human Talent Development Committee meeting in Komtar earlier, Jagdeep stressed that education remains the foundation of Penang’s long-term growth strategy, particularly as the state continues to attract high-value industries that require a skilled workforce.
“Human talent development is centred on education. It all boils down to education.
“As an industrial state, Penang requires skilled manpower. Therefore, we will continue our efforts to ensure there is sustained human talent development for our future generations,” he said.
Jagdeep said Penang’s engagement efforts have yielded tangible results, particularly in China, where the state signed two MoUs through Tech Dome Penang with the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum.
According to him, the collaborations have already sparked interest from Chinese industry players, some of whom have since visited Penang to explore investment opportunities.
“After we signed the agreements, industry representatives from China came to Penang and discussions were held. They have already agreed and started work on establishing a large factory on the mainland,” he revealed.
India has also emerged as an important strategic partner, with Jagdeep making three visits this year to Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, all recognised as major information technology and innovation hubs.
The visits resulted in four MoUs involving educational and healthcare institutions, including Vardhaman College of Engineering, KGISL Educational Institutions, Bycus Therapeutics and Healthcare Triangle.
Jagdeep said representatives from Healthcare Triangle recently visited Penang and indicated their intention to establish a wellness healthcare centre in the state.
“They have more or less committed to opening a wellness healthcare centre here in Penang in the soonest possible time,” he said.
He added that such collaborations would provide valuable opportunities for Penang’s younger generation through exposure to international expertise, industry best practices and future employment pathways.
“When we bring in such investments and opportunities from around the world, it benefits our people in Penang first and Malaysia generally.
“They want to come here to assist us and share their best practices for our future generation. The base they have chosen is Penang,” he further added.
Looking ahead, Jagdeep said the state’s international outreach efforts would continue to gather momentum.
He is scheduled to visit Europe in the coming weeks to meet educational institutions and industry stakeholders, including the Chevening community in London, where he has been invited to speak.
Jagdeep, who received a Chevening scholarship in 1988 to pursue his law studies in the United Kingdom, said the invitation reflected Penang’s growing international reputation and network.
In August, he is expected to return to India for high-level meetings with the chief ministers of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to further strengthen cooperation and explore new investment opportunities for Penang.
“If I can meet two chief ministers, I am confident we will see more outcomes and more investments coming into Penang,” he said.
“This is our mission and vision, to create opportunities through collaboration, cooperation, connections and networks that will benefit Penang for years to come,” Jagdeep said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi