SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW

THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

Virtual Press Conference

Penang Internship Subsidy Programme (PISP)

31 March 2022

YB Dato’ Halim Bin Hussain

Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurial

Development

Dato’ Seri Lee Kah Choon

Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang

Dato’ Loo Lee Lian

Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang

Members of the press,

Ladies & Gentlemen

Good afternoon.

I am pleased to be here today for the announcement of a new programme under the umbrella of the State’s multifaceted talent initiatives, which is the Penang Internship Subsidy Programme (PISP).

Penang has recently announced its commendable manufacturing investment performance in 2021, reaching a record high of RM76.2 billion investment inflows, according to data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). Driven predominantly by the foreign direct investments (FDIs), the investment projects garnered in 2021 are expected to generate 12,024 new job opportunities in the State.

Notably, the rising trend in investment value per job created signifies that Penang is constantly attracting high value-added investments, which serves as a good omen for job seekers in securing high income jobs.

Underpinned by the rapid growth of Penang’s industrial ecosystem, a healthy talent pipeline is crucial to meet the heightened industrial demand. Holding on to that, the State has carried out multiple approaches in talent attraction and development, continuously bolstering Penang’s welcoming and conducive environment for finding and retaining the right talent, with PISP being the most recent addition.

Ladies & gentlemen,

Penang aspires to attract 150,000 knowledge workers over the next 5 years. PISP is introduced to unlock vast career opportunities for talented individuals to experience Penang’s captivating live-work-play balanced lifestyle, complemented by the State’s vibrant arts and cultures, holistic green initiatives, strong digital connectivity as well as developed infrastructure and mobility.

With the mission to further enhance the State’s effort in attracting an influx of talent, PISP offers monthly wage subsidy amounting to RM300 per intern for a maximum period of six months when companies recruit talent throughout 2022. In other words, qualified companies are eligible to claim up to RM1,800 per intern.

PISP is open for all SSM-registered companies with a presence in Penang. The company must hire a minimum of three interns in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and accounting. On top of that, hiring must be completed by 2022, with a minimum monthly allowance of RM1,200 per intern.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the steering committee for PISP, who are responsible to determine and improve the eligibility criteria, application process, method of allocation, evaluation, monitoring and other PISP-related terms and conditions. They are:

·       Myself as the Chairperson

·       YB Prof. Dr. P. Ramasamy, State Exco for Human Resources, Education and Science & Technology

·       YB Dato’ Halim bin Hussain, State EXCO for Trade and Industry and Entrepreneurial Development

·       Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Farazi Johari, State Finance Officer

·       Dato’ Seri Lee Kah Choon, Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang

Ladies & gentlemen,

Recognizing that talent is our most valuable asset, the State remains committed to deepening and broadening Penang's talent pool through a variety of initiatives that are critical to attracting strategic investments. Aside from PISP, some of the ongoing initiatives include the affordable housing for knowledge workers, the Penang Future Foundation, which provides scholarships to deserving students, collaborations with industry players, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and institutions of higher learning, among others.

 

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrialisation this year, it is envisaged that Penang’s five decades of manufacturing excellence is poised to drive the State to the next level, especially with the significant uptake of emerging technologies among our industry players. On this note, the State is cognizant that the vibrant industry in Penang did not emerge overnight. Penang’s strong talent pool is definitely one the key competitive edges that the State values and will continue to uphold.

I hope that PISP can serve as a talent gateway to the countless opportunities in Penang that are waiting to be discovered. To all the talent, come to Penang and experience what the State has to offer as the Silicon Valley of the East.

To all the homegrown companies, take advantage of this opportunity to apply for PISP in enticing talent to Penang. Application can now be made online via Penang CAT Centre’s website and the closing date will fall on 31 December 2022.

Thank you.