Penang strengthens future workforce through Talent Focus Group launch and industry engagement in the AI era

• More than 500 participants explored AI, emerging technologies and the future of work
• New Talent Focus Group strengthens collaboration between industry, academia and government

The Penang State Government has launched the Talent Focus Group (TFG), a new industry-government platform aimed at strengthening the state’s talent pipeline and workforce competitiveness in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

The initiative was launched at the Penang Career Discovery Day (PCDD) x Penang HR Forward Forum 2026, which brought together industry leaders, HR practitioners, academics, students and policymakers to explore career opportunities, emerging technologies and the future of work.

Spearheaded by InvestPenang, TFG will serve as a collaborative platform for industry, academia and government to address workforce challenges, strengthen talent attraction and retention, and support skills development aligned with Penang’s economic and workforce development priorities.

Chow Kon Yeow, chief minister of Penang, said talent remains one of the most critical factors underpinning investment and economic growth.

“One of the critical factors to the success of every investment project is talent. As industries become more technology-driven and increasingly shaped by AI, the demand for skilled, adaptable and future-ready talent has never been greater. This is why the Penang State Government remains committed to strengthening STEM education, expanding TVET pathways, enhancing industry-academia-government collaboration and promoting lifelong learning opportunities to ensure our workforce remains relevant and future-ready in this ever-changing environment,” he said.

InvestPenang will serve as the lead coordinator for TFG, overseeing programme implementation, stakeholder engagement and talent development initiatives aligned with the state’s workforce and economic development goals.

The group aims to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia and government, support talent attraction and development, and position Penang as a preferred destination for careers and talent development.

The group is chaired by Mohamed Anwar Rahaman Saar, country HR lead, Motorola Solutions Malaysia, and is supported by senior HR leaders from organisations including Intel, ASE, Benchmark Electronics, Inari Technology, Smith+Nephew, Hotayi Electronic and Sophic Automation.

TFG will focus on three key areas: talent attraction and retention through CampusConnect, a university outreach initiative promoting career opportunities in Penang; talent supply and skills development through stronger industry-academia collaboration; and peer-to-peer learning through HRConnect, a platform for HR practitioners to exchange ideas and best practices.

More than 500 students, graduates, young professionals, returnees, HR practitioners, industry leaders and academics attended PCDD x Penang HR Forward Forum 2026.

The event featured more than 30 career and AI showcases, providing participants with exposure to emerging technologies, real-world AI applications and evolving workforce requirements. The AI Showcase was introduced to help students and young talent better understand the growing role of AI in shaping future industries and careers.

Held concurrently, the Penang HR Forward Forum 2026 brought together HR practitioners and business leaders to discuss talent development, workforce transformation and the impact of AI on the workplace.

The launch of TFG reinforces Penang’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between industry, academia and government while preparing talent and organisations for the future of work. Together, the Penang GFG, Penang PSD@5KM+ and the newly established TFG will continue to play an important role in strengthening the state’s talent ecosystem and supporting workforce readiness for emerging industries.