GEORGE TOWN: Discussions are being finalised for the Human Resources Ministry to work with the Penang state government to develop the upcoming Penang Chip Design Academy.
Its minister, Steven Sim said that as the institution intended to develop skilled manpower in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors in Penang, he hoped that the collaboration would add value and upgrade the skill training programmes.
"It is a state government project and we are in discussion to finalise the collaboration between the ministry and the academy.
"As it specialises in developing the semiconductor and high tech sector in Penang, we wish to add value and collaborate to enhance the skill training programmes," Sim told reporters on Thursday (June 19).
Located at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) building in Bayan Lepas, the academy would support the state’s plan for the development of an Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and Digital Park.
It is a key component of the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint and would be led by PSDC in collaboration with key industry players, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool providers, academia, and InvestPenang.
Sim had earlier officiated the northern region National Training Week (NTW) 2025 Learning Tour in Raia Inn in Bayan Lepas here.
At the event, Sim said the Human Resource Development (HRD) Corporation and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) have formed a strategic collaboration under the Advanced Technology Meister Programme (ATMP) to introduce the Matching Grant for skills development aimed at helping local industries upskill their workforce in advanced technology sectors.
He added that some 420 families of fishermen impacted by the Silicon Island development project would receive training and skills development programmes in fields to expand their career opportunities.
The NTW programme themed "Learning Beyond Borders", organised by HRD Corp, had brought together over 600 participants from various segments of the community, including school students, civil servants, community members, persons with disabilities (PWDs), cooperatives, and senior citizens, with the aim of empowering them with practical skills aligned with future workforce demands.
To date, it has recorded over 3.2 million enrolments, exceeding its initial target of one million enrolments, with about 167,000 enrolments with almost 800 courses recorded across Penang, Kedah and Perlis in the northern region.
NTW 2025 will conclude on Saturday (June 21) with the closing ceremony in Ipoh, Perak.
