Akmal Nasrullah unveils RM12.3m Penang STEM programme, targeting 100,000 students by 2030

Federal Minister Akmal Nasrullah has announced a RM12.3 million four-year STEM talent programme for Penang, with the goal of training 100,000 students by 2030. The initiative, known as the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint, was first introduced by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in 2024. The program, a collaboration between the Economy Ministry and Penang government, will provide exposure to STEM subjects from an early age through four streams targeting primary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and vocational education levels.

Akmal emphasized the importance of developing local talent to capitalize on Penang's strong industrial base in electrical and electronics, semiconductor, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. He highlighted that Penang's economy outperformed the national average in 2025, with a 7.3% growth rate compared to the national 5.2%. The ministry aims to equip students with skills to adapt to rapid technological advancements and ensure they can participate in future industries. Penang's industrial ecosystem will serve as a model for potential replication in other states.