THE Penang government will collaborate with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to form a special committee known as the National Human Capital Development Committee.
HRD Corp, an agency under the Ministry of Human Resources, is responsible for expanding its workforce, upskilling and reskilling efforts to all Malaysian employers and individuals, and providing income-generating opportunities to all communities in need.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the committee would formulate talent nurturing, talent crisis and talent development strategies in the state.
“Such a committee is important to ensure that Penang continues to develop world-class talents now and for the future.
“Strong human capital and talent development are essential in ensuring we continue to create and maintain well-developed infrastructure and stay ahead of the increasing competition in Southeast Asia,” Chow said in his speech during the National Human Capital Conference and Exhibition (NHCCE) 2023 – Northern Region at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.
Chow added that the state government fully supports all efforts to improve the development of the state, region and ultimately, the nation.
“The world is grappling with a slowing global economy and international logistic disruption.
“However, despite these uncertainties, Penang’s economy has remained robust and resilient. The state currently houses more than 350 multinational corporations, including three of the top 10 semiconductor giants and six of the top 30 medical device companies in the world.
“As such, it is not surprising that 2022 was a record-breaking year for Penang. Notwithstanding the intensifying competition from our regional counterparts, Penang’s approved manufacturing investments reached RM13.7 billion in 2022 and are expected to create over 15,000 jobs in the next few years.
“While such investments place Penang and the northern states in good stead, we need a strong, dynamic and agile workforce and talent pool to sustain and grow these investments in the long term.
“Hence, this is why the National Human Capital Development Committee needs to be established,” he said.
Themed HR 5.0: The Next Evolution in Human Capital Development, NHCCE 2023 – Northern Region features discussions surrounding key issues, challenges and opportunities for industries and organisations in shaping their workforce for the future of work.
Organised by HRD Corp for the first time outside the Klang Valley, the programme was held in collaboration with the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).
The two-day conference and exhibition, which started yesterday (May 31) at the SPICE Convention Centre, will end today (June 1).
NHCCE 2023 – Northern Region was jointly officiated by Chow and also Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar today.
Speaking about the conference and exhibition, Chow said NHCCE 2023 – Northern Region is an excellent platform for government representatives, academia, industry players, and working professionals in Penang, Perak, Kedah and Perlis to come together to discuss human capital challenges and opportunities.
“Furthermore, they can learn how to adopt innovative solutions, garner data-driven insights and utilise key analytics for effective decision-making from experts.
“This is very important for a manufacturing hub like Penang, where businesses are rapidly moving towards IR4.0 solutions and require local talents with the right skills and knowledge.
“I would like to thank the Ministry of Human Resources and HRD Corp for bringing the conference to Penang.
“Congratulations also to PSDC for being a part of this great event. I hope this conference will kickstart constructive discourse that will shape a new era of high-value economic development in the region,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sivakumar congratulated HRD Corp for responding to the requests of Malaysian industry players and community representatives by introducing the NHCCE regional series this year in Penang.
“The industry’s strong interest in the conference is encouraging for the nation’s human capital development and aligns with Malaysia Madani concept.
“The ministry is pleased to support this initiative, as it provides our talents and workforce with valuable personal and professional development opportunities within a sustainable and future-oriented framework,” he said.
Also present during the launching ceremony were PSDC vice-chairman Dr Matin Ng, HRD Corp chief executive officer Datuk Shahul Dawood and HRD Corp chairman Rajasekharan Ramasamy.
Rajasekharan, in his speech, reaffirmed HRD Corp’s commitment to strengthening the local workforce by introducing holistic and impactful human capital initiatives.
“With the closing of the hugely successful National Training Week (NTW) 2023 last week, we hope that the NHCCE 2023 – Northern Region will sustain the momentum generated by the NTW and inspire more to join the nationwide movement for better human capital development,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis