Selamat pagi and Good Morning everyone.
I am very happy to be here with you this morning to officiate the launching of this inaugural IEEE International Microwave, Electron Devices, Solid- State Circuits Symposium here in Penang. The theme of “An Avenue to Explore IoT and 5G” is an excellent platform for the engineers, the semiconductor industry and business community to network and build linkages. Penang, after all, is the Silicon Valley of Malaysia and one of the major E&E hubs in the world.
We know that talents in Penang is one of the key factors why investors choose Penang. Good logistic, availability of human talent, a competent supply chain, good and clean governance as well as commitment to build and upgrade infrastructure are crucial towards maintaining Penang’s position as a location of choice for investors. In recognizing its importance, I take this opportunity to highlight to you the efforts taken by the State in building up Penang’s human talent. First in the list is the RM20 million Penang Science Café at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee where children can further explore and learn the wonders of science and engineering and are taught robotics, applied science and coding, free of charge.
Another highly popular project by the State and the Penang Science Cluster is the annual Penang International Science Fair, the largest science fair in Malaysia. Held in SPICE, this science fair inspires innovation among young minds and further build passion in science and engineering via special programs and games. Last year’s fair was attended by more than 60,000 people from Penang and other States. This year the Penang Science Fair will held this weekend ie 12-13 Nov.
The RM28 million Penang Tech Dome, located in central KOMTAR recently opened its doors to the public. This science discovery centre, a State project supported by private companies, showcases science and technology aimed at rekindling and igniting interests among the young and the young at heart, in a fun environment. This world-class science showcase has attracted famous dignitaries such as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand and hosted the Murata Robots from Japan.
The RM3 million Penang Digital Library launched recently is Malaysia’s first library without books. It is located next to the 200 year old Penang Free School and has a list of 3,000 titles. Another catalyst is the RM6 million Karpal Singh Learning Centre further enhance the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Penang.
Another program launched late year is the first ever RM6 million German Dual Vocational Training Program, allows student apprentices to study and work in factories (with guidance from experienced tutors). The Penang State Government is allocating RM6 million to pay the tuition fees. Being hired by the companies, students will also receive monthly salaries. The students are thus paid to study.
All the above programs and initiatives are in line with Penang’s strategy to seek convergence in the public, manufacturing and services sectors, to enable us to exploit and benefit from the 4th Industrial Revolution, revolving around Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analysis (BDA), Cloud Computing and e-commerce. We cannot be left behind, for to do so would be the end for us.
Let us be part of the effort to make Penang a centre of excellence of science and technology so that we can be part of the 4th Industrial Revolution. I congratulate the IMESS 2016 organising committee for their success and wish all delegates a productive symposium.