Latest news with #StrategicDevelopmentPlan
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Strategic plan to drive growth in northern border area
PUTRAJAYA: The federal government is targeting RM367.8 billion in investments and over 412,000 job opportunities through the Strategic Development Plan for the Northern Corridor Economic Region 2024-2030, said Economy Acting Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said the plan, to be carried out by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), aims to drive economic growth in the northern border region, particularly at the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Terap districts in Kedah. Amir Hamzah said it focuses on three key sectors, namely advanced services, high-value manufacturing and modern agriculture, to support balanced regional development. 'These efforts reflect our commitment to nurturing local talent, spurring technological innovation and attracting quality private investments,' he said in a written parliamentary reply to Padang Terap MP Nurul Amin Hamid. He said several initiatives are already underway to stimulate economic activity in northern Kedah, including the Kedah Science and Technology Park in Bukit Kayu Hitam and the Kedah Rubber City in Padang Terap. Amir Hamzah said Malaysia is also leveraging on regional cooperation under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle to explore cross-border economic opportunities in sectors such as halal industries, rubber processing, logistics and tourism. He said while there is growing interest in formalising border-based economic activity, no specific plans are currently in place to establish a 'Special Economic Zone' or 'Financial Free Zone' along the Malaysia-Thai border. 'We are open to exploring such proposals in the future should the need arise and if it promises mutual benefit.' He said a feasibility study is currently being conducted to assess the potential of Kedah for a dedicated economic zone, including evaluation of investment prospects, infrastructure integration and social linkages with southern Thailand.
Daily Express
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Fifteen-year growth plan for Ranau
Fifteen-year growth plan for Ranau RANAU: The State Government has unveiled a 15-year Strategic Development Plan for Ranau, charting a course for inclusive economic growth while safeguarding the district's rich cultural and environmental heritage. Launched by State Minister of Finance Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, the plan covers the period from 2025 to 2040 and aims to promote balanced development across both urban and rural areas. Advertisement Masidi said Ranau is uniquely positioned to become a leading destination for highland tourism and agro-tourism, thanks to its natural beauty and cultural legacy. 'Ranau possesses unparalleled natural beauty and cultural heritage. Our strategic vision leverages these strengths to benefit all segments of our community,' he said at the official launch. SPONSORED CONTENT Prepared by the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), the plan focuses on seven core areas: modern rural community development, effective governance, human capital excellence, world-class tourism, food security, sustainable management of natural resources, and broad-based socio-economic prosperity. Masidi also highlighted Ranau's status as a Unesco Triple Crown site, noting its global recognition in biodiversity and cultural significance. Advertisement 'This roadmap requires ongoing commitment from everyone, especially local communities and authorities, who will play a critical role in its successful execution,' he said. He described the plan as a living document that is flexible and responsive to evolving challenges, technological advancements, and the changing needs of the community. Advertisement 'This is a living document, meant to grow and change with us, ensuring the aspirations of Ranau's people continue to be met in the years to come,' Masidi said. The plan marks a significant milestone in shaping Ranau's future, offering a structured approach to sustainable development while preserving the district's unique identity.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fiji Can't Compete With Australia And NZ On Teacher Salaries
Article – RNZ However, Biman Prasad says the government is taking steps to retain Fijian teachers as the education system faces a teacher shortage problem. Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin Editor Fiji cannot compete with Australia and New Zealand to retain its teachers, the man in charge of the country's finances says. The Fijian education system is facing major challenges as the Sitiveni Rabuka-led coalition struggles to address a teacher shortage. While the education sector recieves a significant chunk of the budget (approximately NZ$587 million), it has not been sufficient, as global demand for skilled teachers is pulling qualified Fijian educators toward greener pastures. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad said that the government is training more teachers. 'The government has put in measures, we are training enough teachers, but we are also losing teachers to Australia and New Zealand,' he told Pacific Waves on the sidelines of the University of the South Pacific Council meeting in Auckland last week. 'We are happy that Australia and New Zealand gain those skills, particularly in the area of maths and science, where you have a shortage. And obviously, Fiji cannot match the salaries that teachers get in Australia and New Zealand. According to the Education Ministry's Strategic Development Plan (2023-2026), the shortage of teachers is one of the key challenges, alongside limited resources and inadequate infrastructure, particularly for primary schools. Reports in local media in August last year said there were hundreds of teacher vacancies that needed to be filled. However, Prasad said there were a lot of teachers who are staying in Fiji as the government was taking steps to keep teachers in the country. 'We are training more teachers. We are putting additional funding, in terms of making sure that we provide the right environment, right support to our teachers,' he said. 'In the last two years, we have increased the salaries of the civil service right across the board, and those salaries and wages range from between 10 to 20 percent. 'We are again going to look at how we can rationalise some of the positions within the Education Ministry, right from preschool up to high school.' Meanwhile, the Fijian government is currently undertaking a review of the Education Act 1966. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said in parliament last month that a draft bill is expected to be submitted to Cabinet in July. 'The Education Act 1966, the foundational law for pre-tertiary education in Fiji, has only been amended a few times since its promulgation, and has not undergone a comprehensive review,' he said. 'It is imperative that this legislation be updated to reflect modern standards and address current issues within the education system.'
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fiji Can't Compete With Australia And NZ On Teacher Salaries
Article – RNZ However, Biman Prasad says the government is taking steps to retain Fijian teachers as the education system faces a teacher shortage problem. Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin Editor Fiji cannot compete with Australia and New Zealand to retain its teachers, the man in charge of the country's finances says. The Fijian education system is facing major challenges as the Sitiveni Rabuka-led coalition struggles to address a teacher shortage. While the education sector recieves a significant chunk of the budget (approximately NZ$587 million), it has not been sufficient, as global demand for skilled teachers is pulling qualified Fijian educators toward greener pastures. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad said that the government is training more teachers. 'The government has put in measures, we are training enough teachers, but we are also losing teachers to Australia and New Zealand,' he told Pacific Waves on the sidelines of the University of the South Pacific Council meeting in Auckland last week. 'We are happy that Australia and New Zealand gain those skills, particularly in the area of maths and science, where you have a shortage. And obviously, Fiji cannot match the salaries that teachers get in Australia and New Zealand. According to the Education Ministry's Strategic Development Plan (2023-2026), the shortage of teachers is one of the key challenges, alongside limited resources and inadequate infrastructure, particularly for primary schools. Reports in local media in August last year said there were hundreds of teacher vacancies that needed to be filled. However, Prasad said there were a lot of teachers who are staying in Fiji as the government was taking steps to keep teachers in the country. 'We are training more teachers. We are putting additional funding, in terms of making sure that we provide the right environment, right support to our teachers,' he said. 'In the last two years, we have increased the salaries of the civil service right across the board, and those salaries and wages range from between 10 to 20 percent. 'We are again going to look at how we can rationalise some of the positions within the Education Ministry, right from preschool up to high school.' Meanwhile, the Fijian government is currently undertaking a review of the Education Act 1966. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said in parliament last month that a draft bill is expected to be submitted to Cabinet in July. 'The Education Act 1966, the foundational law for pre-tertiary education in Fiji, has only been amended a few times since its promulgation, and has not undergone a comprehensive review,' he said. 'It is imperative that this legislation be updated to reflect modern standards and address current issues within the education system.'
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fiji Can't Compete With Australia And NZ On Teacher Salaries
Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin Editor Fiji cannot compete with Australia and New Zealand to retain its teachers, the man in charge of the country's finances says. The Fijian education system is facing major challenges as the Sitiveni Rabuka-led coalition struggles to address a teacher shortage. While the education sector recieves a significant chunk of the budget (approximately NZ$587 million), it has not been sufficient, as global demand for skilled teachers is pulling qualified Fijian educators toward greener pastures. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad said that the government is training more teachers. "The government has put in measures, we are training enough teachers, but we are also losing teachers to Australia and New Zealand," he told Pacific Waves on the sidelines of the University of the South Pacific Council meeting in Auckland last week. "We are happy that Australia and New Zealand gain those skills, particularly in the area of maths and science, where you have a shortage. And obviously, Fiji cannot match the salaries that teachers get in Australia and New Zealand. According to the Education Ministry's Strategic Development Plan (2023-2026), the shortage of teachers is one of the key challenges, alongside limited resources and inadequate infrastructure, particularly for primary schools. Reports in local media in August last year said there were hundreds of teacher vacancies that needed to be filled. However, Prasad said there were a lot of teachers who are staying in Fiji as the government was taking steps to keep teachers in the country. "We are training more teachers. We are putting additional funding, in terms of making sure that we provide the right environment, right support to our teachers," he said. "In the last two years, we have increased the salaries of the civil service right across the board, and those salaries and wages range from between 10 to 20 percent. "We are again going to look at how we can rationalise some of the positions within the Education Ministry, right from preschool up to high school." Meanwhile, the Fijian government is currently undertaking a review of the Education Act 1966. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said in parliament last month that a draft bill is expected to be submitted to Cabinet in July. "The Education Act 1966, the foundational law for pre-tertiary education in Fiji, has only been amended a few times since its promulgation, and has not undergone a comprehensive review," he said. "It is imperative that this legislation be updated to reflect modern standards and address current issues within the education system."
