East Coast states offer strong prospects for tech development

New Straits Times

24-06-2025

KUALA TERENGGANU: The states on the East Coast, including Terengganu, have great potential to be involved in the development of future technology.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said that for example, investment in strategic fields such as the carbon capture, utilisation and storage industry, which is expected to be implemented in Terengganu, not only opens up new economic opportunities but also requires specific skills from the local workforce.
"This signifies the importance of efforts to empower talent among the youth to become part of the value chain of the country's high-tech industry," he said at the opening ceremony of the National Science Week (MSN) 2025 Carnival for the East Coast Zone, officiated by the Terengganu Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar at the Terengganu Science and Creativity Centre here today.
Meanwhile, Chang said that the increasing foreign and domestic investments in the high-tech sector not only demonstrate investors' confidence in the Madani government's administration and policies but also require Malaysia to continue ensuring that the supply of talent aligns with industry demand.
He said therefore the federal government's approach that emphasises justice and balanced development, regardless of political beliefs, is very important, whereby the states on the East Coast, especially Terengganu, continue to receive attention in terms of investment, education, and support for the cultivation of Science, Technology, and Innovation so that the benefits of development can be felt comprehensively.
"In this spirit, the ministry warmly welcomes the active cooperation of the state government, educational institutions, private sector, and community organisations in advancing the agenda for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent development and innovation.
"Only through comprehensive cooperation can we build a future for the country that is truly based on knowledge, technology and sustainability," he added.
The MSN 2025 Carnival for the East Coast Zone will be held for three days, starting today until Thursday.
The programme is a ministry initiative through the National Science Centre aimed at ensuring Malaysia can lead the future technological and economic transformation, targeting the involvement of various stakeholders such as school students, higher education institution students, teachers, researchers, industry players and the public.