PENANG is experiencing a shortage of educators and is therefore seeking to recruit individuals from colleges, universities, and the manufacturing industry. Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo highlighted the mismatch between the number of people requiring education and the number of educators available. To address this issue, the state aims to hire professionals from various institutions and industries to teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and vocational subjects. The objective is to nurture talent and develop a skilled labor force, particularly in the small and medium enterprise (SME) industry, to maintain Penang’s position as the Silicon Valley of the East.
Last year, Penang experienced a growth rate of 13.1%, surpassing Selangor (11.9%), Pahang (10.8%), and Kuala Lumpur (9.2%). The growth rates of these four states exceeded the national growth rate of 8.7% in 2022, significantly contributing to the country’s overall progress. At the Industry-Academia Collaboration Workshop, Jagdeep emphasized the importance of SMEs, which constitute the majority of businesses worldwide and play a vital role in job creation and global economic development. In emerging economies, formal SMEs can contribute up to 40% of the national income in terms of gross domestic product (GDP).
The World Bank estimates that by 2030, the world will require 600 million new jobs to accommodate the growing workforce. Consequently, many governments prioritize SME development, as it is crucial for economic stability. Malaysia, like many other countries, acknowledges the significance of SMEs, with over a million SMEs accounting for 97% of the country’s businesses, 38% of GDP, and 48% of total employment. Jagdeep highlighted the Madani Economy Framework’s role in facilitating SME growth and increasing demand for industries, resulting in job creation.
Jagdeep acknowledged the increasing industrialization in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, which may impact Penang’s ability to attract foreign investment. To counter this, the state collaborates with the Federal Government through TalentCorp to empower local talents and implement various initiatives. Jagdeep referenced the New Industrial Master Plan as a demonstration of policy consistency, focusing on human capital development. Creating a thriving SME ecosystem requires collective effort and access to the right resources. The vision for Penang 2030 demands collaboration across sectors and strata of society, with a sustainable SME talent pipeline serving as a catalyst for success.
Jagdeep stressed the importance of equipping students not only with theoretical knowledge but also practical skills relevant to the workforce. By fostering stronger ties between academia and industry, graduates can enter the workforce with a competitive advantage. Moreover, investing in a sustainable SME talent pipeline holds significance beyond economic benefits; it also contributes to societal growth. The state hopes that by collaborating, innovating, and persevering, a prosperous Penang can be built on the strengths of its SMEs.
During the Industry-Academia Collaboration Workshop, the panelists engaged in a discussion to find solutions to the educator shortage issue. The panelists included Brian Choong, TalentCorp industry partnership sector head; ET Tan, Penang Skills Development Centre chief executive officer; Prof Dr Ian Pasby, Peninsula Higher Education Group president; Alexander Saw, Smita Association Penang and Kedah director; and J. Philip Vincent, Samenta northern region executive committee. The workshop, organized by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd, took place in Batu Kawan.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
