SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
PRESENTATION OF WOU SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT & PENANG WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
11^TH DECEMBER 2023 | WOU MAIN CAMPUS

Good afternoon.

 

I am deeply honoured to address you on this momentous occasion as we come together to celebrate the presentation of the WOU Scholarship Awards at the Wawasan Open University. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the well-deserving scholarship recipients, their families, and all those who have played a pivotal role in supporting their educational journeys.

This collaborative endeavour, forged between WOU, the Penang Women's Development Corporation, and the State Government, reflects our shared dedication to expanding access to higher education, particularly for those facing economic challenges in Penang. Today's event is more than just the awarding of scholarships; it signifies our joint dedication to breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and envisioning a future where talent thrives irrespective of economic constraints.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In both Penang and Malaysia at large, the urgency to address talent shortages and skills mismatches in our workforce has become increasingly apparent. Regrettably, individuals from low-income households are often compelled to forego higher education prematurely to enter the job market, either to support their families or alleviate financial burdens. This dilemma underscores the significance of scholarships as beacons of opportunity, guiding individuals to acquire skills, enhance their employability, and unlock their latent potential. In doing so, we not only empower them but also contribute tangibly to a reduction in the nation's unemployment rate.

Today, as we celebrate the WOU scholarships, it is crucial to recognize that these initiatives go beyond mere financial assistance. They represent transformative pathways for our awardees to compete on an equal footing and elevate the standard of living for their families. Higher education serves as the key for many to break free from the cycle of poverty, and through financial support, we take significant strides toward narrowing the talent and economic gap, not only in Penang but across the entire nation.

In the spirit of educational empowerment, I would like to highlight another noteworthy initiative—the Penang Future Foundation (PFF). Since its establishment in 2014, PFF has supported 700 scholarship holders in critical fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Accounting, and Finance. Programmes like these, alongside today's event and the collaborative efforts of agencies like InvestPenang, contribute significantly to Penang's success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Through partnerships with employers and higher learning institutions, these initiatives ensure that our workforce remains competitive, enhancing our appeal to potential investments.

Recent statistics from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) underscore Penang's commendable performance in attracting foreign direct investment, particularly in the manufacturing sector. With approved investments totaling RM44.9 billion from January to September 2023, Penang stands as the second-highest contributor among the five states. To sustain this momentum, it is imperative that we concurrently expand our talent pool alongside the influx of FDIs into Penang. The symbiotic relationship between a skilled workforce and increased investments is the linchpin for our continued success.

In alignment with this goal, the State Government remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting various agencies such as the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) and the Penang Career Assistance & Talent (CAT) Centre, among others. These organizations play a crucial role in providing quality training to meet industry demands. Additionally, initiatives like the My Penang, My Workplace campaign and the Penang Internship Subsidy Program bolster our efforts to attract and retain talent.

Recognizing the pivotal role played by our higher learning institutions in empowering youth and the workforce with essential skills and knowledge, we are determined to continue our collaboration with institutions like WOU. This collaboration allows us to offer flexible and accessible learning support systems, enabling students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education. Our commitment in this regard aligns seamlessly with our ongoing efforts to explore diverse educational pathways, ultimately expanding the pool of highly qualified and skilled professionals in our country.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we chart our course forward, it is essential to acknowledge that addressing the challenges of education and manpower shortages requires a collective effort from the government, industry, and academia. Encouraging individuals to pursue higher learning and upskilling opportunities is pivotal in creating a skilled workforce that can support future investments and propel economic growth.

The complexity of the issue at hand necessitates innovative and multifaceted solutions, and initiatives like the scholarship awards we celebrate today mark a positive step in the right direction. Taking this opportunity, I would like to urge more stakeholders to join hands in crafting and implementing solutions that will shape the future of our education and workforce development, in keeping with the Penang2030 vision. Together, let us build a foundation for a future where education is accessible to all, and our workforce is equipped to meet the evolving challenges of a dynamic world.

To the scholarship recipients, I urge you to use this opportunity to work diligently in realizing your dreams. Guided by the principle of 'paying it forward,' I hope that you will grow to use your talents and knowledge to uplift those less fortunate and contribute to the prosperity of our state and country.

In closing, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in making these scholarships possible, and my best wishes go out to the scholarship recipients for a successful and fulfilling academic journey.

Thank you.