INTI INDUSTRY NETWORKING SESSION 2023
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG,
YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
INTI INDUSTRY NETWORKING SESSION 2023
14 September 2023 | Eastin Hotel, Penang
YB Sim Tze Tzin
Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru
Mr. Chong Kok Wai
Chief Executive Officer, INTI International University & Colleges
Mr. Abdul Said Hussain
Penang Education Department Deputy Director
YBhg Dato' Sasedharan Vasudevan
Penang Port Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Hemalatha Murugiah
Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang
Ms Naomi Yang
Assistant Vice President of Career Services, INTI International University & Colleges,
Esteemed Industry Partners,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
I am deeply honoured to stand before you today at the INTI Industry Networking Session 2023. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to INTI International College Penang for hosting this remarkable event, and to each one of you for gracing us with your presence.
Penang holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to witness today's gathering between the education and industry sectors, which symbolizes the promising future that awaits us. It also underscores the vital role that educational institutions like INTI play in driving progress and fostering innovation in our state.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In today's rapidly globalizing world, institutions like INTI serve as the crucial bridge connecting our local talents to global opportunities. INTI, in particular, has an impressive legacy of nurturing talents who chart their unique paths instead of adhering to predefined ones.
A prime example of this vision is INTI's pioneering collaboration with IBM Malaysia, championing the prestigious IBM SkillsBuild initiative in Malaysia. Such initiatives showcase INTI's unwavering commitment to preparing industry-ready talents through innovative educational programmes.
In a world where digital advancements often outpace traditional curriculums, INTI's dedication to real-time industry collaboration also ensures that students receive the most relevant and up-to-date training. Initiatives like the Faculty Industry Attachment programme represent a dynamic partnership between educators and industry leaders.
This approach extends education beyond the classroom, aligning it with industry needs. It cultivates students who actively engage in a learning ecosystem that seamlessly blends education with aspiration. This not only enhances employability but also fosters entrepreneurship, encouraging students to become creators, innovators, and leaders.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is imperative that we comprehend that such efforts showcased by INTI are becoming increasingly critical in the current landscape as the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes our world. We must equip our students with knowledge, wisdom, skillsets, and mindsets to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, which comes with both advancement and growth.
To that end, as the Chief Minister, I have engaged extensively with industry leaders, and a consistent concern that resonates alongside Penang’s development is the shortage of skilled talents. If left unaddressed, this challenge could impede our state’s progress. In fact, a 2022 study by the Penang Institute estimated a staggering RM10 billion in lost productivity annually due to the shortage of skilled workers, underscoring the imperative for a comprehensive strategy to address this concern.
The State Government, through agencies like InvestPenang, Digital Penang, and Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), has taken deliberate steps to tackle this issue. The establishment of Penang STEM in 2017 was a proactive step to cultivate STEM skills beyond conventional curricula.
Our commitment to talent development is further manifested in our Penang2030 vision, aiming to train at least 20,000 participants in the STEM/TVET field. Initiatives like the Tech Start Programme, Penang Digital Literacy Camp, Girls in Engineering, and the German Dual Vocational Training Programme underscore our concerted efforts to nurture a pool of skilled professionals who can effectively address the evolving needs of industries.
However, this challenge cannot be tackled by a single entity alone or through unilateral efforts. Collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government bodies is imperative. Together, we can create a synergy that not only addresses the current talent shortage but also propels Penang into a future where our workforce is not just competitive but innovative, adaptive, and resilient.
Accordingly, I would like to take this moment to commend the collaboration and partnership between INTI International College Penang and various industry leaders, as well as extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the INTI Industry Partner Awards and the Faculty Industry Attachment programme. Your achievements today are not just a recognition of your commitment to excellence but also a source of inspiration for all.
Having that mentioned, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage other educational institutions to follow the exemplary model set by INTI and explore innovative partnerships with industry leaders. It is through such collaborations that we can ensure that our educational system remains relevant and that our students are prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving job market.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, I believe that Penang has the potential to become a hub for cutting-edge technologies, innovation, and sustainable development. We have a rich history of multiculturalism, a highly skilled workforce, and a strong commitment to education, which are the pillars upon which we can build a brighter future.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude once again to INTI International College Penang for their dedication to nurturing the talents of our youth. To the industry partners here today, your continued support is invaluable, and I hope we can strengthen our collaboration in the years to come.
Let us all work together to create a Penang that not only excels in economic prosperity but also in the holistic development of our people. Let us embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution with open arms and ensure that Penang remains a beacon of progress and innovation in line with the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
Thank you all for your attention, and I wish you a productive and inspiring networking session.
Thank you.