PENANG prioritises talent development to attract investments and job opportunities in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that the state government has undertaken various initiatives and plans to address the talent challenges faced by industry players.
“Numerous investors have brought up the talent issues to our attention, specifically to our investment arm InvestPenang. It is challenging for us to attract investments if there is a lack of talent.
“The investors may choose other places in the Southeast Asia region that provide a sufficient pool of human talent compared to our country.
“Hence, I have held various discussions with the industry players to tackle these talent issues. We can forge our cooperation with higher learning institutions, and training institutions to overcome this issue.
“I believe that the Human Resources Ministry and other relevant agencies in the Federal Government can provide their assistance in talent development,” he said in his speech during the Ancom Crop Care Sdn Bhd scholarship presentation ceremony at St Giles Wembley today.
According to Chow, one of the ways to retain talent in the state is through the Penang Future Foundation (PFF) initiative.
“We have given out over 700 scholarships over the past 10 years since its inception. Recipients are required to serve in Penang for at least five years upon graduation.
Earlier, Chow expressed his gratitude to Ancom Crop Care Sdn Bhd for giving out scholarships to 14 financially challenged students.
“This commitment towards the education of the younger generation aligns with our vision. I am confident they will contribute back to the state’s progress one day,” he said.
Ancom Crop Care Sdn Bhd managing director Lee Cheun Wei said he was grateful for the opportunity given to support those in need.
“We firmly believe that education is not a privilege, but a fundamental right to unlock success,” he said.
Among those present during the event were Chow’s political-secretary Lau Keng Ee, and Ancom Crop Care Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Hapiz Abdullah.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siew Chia En