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

Federal Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah has announced a RM12.3 million four-year STEM talent programme in Penang, aiming to train 100,000 students by 2030. The Penang STEM Talent Blueprint, introduced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in 2024, will be supported by this collaboration with the Economy Ministry. The pilot project will expose students to STEM subjects from an early age, with four streams covering different education levels.

Akmal emphasized the importance of Penang's industrial ecosystem, noting the state's strong focus on electrical and electronics, semiconductor, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. The programme will also prioritize rural schools and lower-income communities, providing hands-on exposure to emerging fields like AI, data science, robotics, and digital technologies.

Penang's strong growth in various sectors highlights the need for talent development, as technological advancements continue to reshape industries. The government aims to develop 60,000 skilled engineers to move Malaysia up the semiconductor value chain and foster innovation rather than mere manufacturing.