GEORGE TOWN, April 22 — Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has called on Penang’s semiconductor and advanced technology industries to reimagine the state’s future amid global economic uncertainty, urging a bold shift from a traditional manufacturing hub to a high-value, innovation-driven economy.
In a statement yesterday, the Human Resources Ministry outlined a vision to move beyond the conventional “Made in Penang/Malaysia” branding to a new paradigm — “Made by Penang/Malaysia” — emphasising homegrown innovation, technology ownership, and talent development.
Sim urged industry leaders to adopt what he described as “strategic optimism” in facing global headwinds, encouraging them to turn uncertainty into opportunity and accelerate Malaysia’s transition into a resilient, innovation-led economy.
“This vision centres on nurturing local talent, developing homegrown technology, and attracting strategic investments.
“We want Penang-based companies to not only serve global supply chains but also to innovate, design, and own technologies supported by Malaysian expertise,” he said.
Recognising the challenges faced by the industry, the statement noted that the government is implementing targeted measures to strengthen the national economy, including internal consolidation, regional integration, and international diversification.
Sim’s remarks were made in conjunction with two industrial dialogues organised by InvestPenang over the weekend.
The sessions were attended by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, InvestPenang CEO Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and more than 30 stakeholders from the semiconductor and high-tech sectors, including representatives from multinational corporations (MNCs) and local SMEs.
The dialogues focused on the impact of global economic shifts and Malaysia’s long-term positioning in the global value chain.
As Malaysia holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, Sim also highlighted the country’s role in leading efforts to strengthen ASEAN as a cohesive economic bloc.
He referenced a recent joint statement by ASEAN Economic Ministers reaffirming the region’s commitment to navigating global market volatility together.
Sim added that while Malaysia continues to engage with traditional trade partners, it is also expanding its reach by deepening ties with emerging global players such as BRICS, the European Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership member states, and its ASEAN neighbours.
“This strategy is not only about building trade resilience — Malaysia can also leverage its non-trade strategic advantages.
“Our strategic location, multicultural society, and standing as a stable middle power continue to attract global investors looking for neutrality and certainty,” Sim said.
Echoing Sim’s sentiments, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong said the evolving global trade landscape presents an opportunity for Penang and Malaysia to leapfrog from a foreign direct investment (FDI)-driven, outsourced manufacturing model to a more self-sufficient, innovation-based economy.
Meanwhile, Loo observed that companies are currently reassessing their strategies in light of growing global uncertainties.
“While some are evaluating the full impact on supply chains, others believe it is still too early to predict long-term implications.
“Businesses have welcomed the Malaysian government’s non-confrontational approach and its plans for sustained international engagement,” she said. — Bernama
Malay Mail. (2025, April 22). Penang must shift from ‘Made in Malaysia’ to ‘Made by Malaysia’, says HR minister amid global uncertainty. Malay Mail. Retrieved from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/22/penang-must-shift-from-made-in-malaysia-to-made-by-malaysia-says-hr-minister-amid-global-uncertainty/174001
- PERKESO reforms ensure comprehensive protection for all workers, says HR Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry, through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), continues to undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen social protection for all contributors, including gig workers and foreign workers, says Steven Sim Chee Keong. The Human Resources Minister said that 10 major reforms have been implemented over the past two years to provide more […] - KESUMA’s drive for fair work and shared progress
The LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA) hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), celebrates its 10th edition, solidifying its influence as a platform that drives transformation in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Malaysian workspaces. With concerns regarding human capital rising amid the ubiquity of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial now more than ever […] - ‘Many employers not making mandatory Perkeso, EPF contributions’
KLANG: The Human Resources Ministry has detected a worrying number of employers still refusing to register or make mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for their workers. The ministry stressed that such actions violated employees’ rights and denied them basic protection. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul […] - Nearly 500 labour law breach cases detected
KLANG: Almost 500 investigation papers have been opened against employers for breaches of labour laws as of Nov 1, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. Among the most common labour law offences are employers’ failure to make the mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) or the Employees Provident Fund […] - MOHR Won’t Tolerate Companies Preventing Workers From Forming Union
The Industrial Relations Department of the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights after a gathering and memorandum submission by several labour unions concerning alleged union-busting practices. The department emphasised that it respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, while reiterating that workers’ rights to form […] - Court Orders Employer To Pay 93 Migrant Workers Outstanding Wages
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has welcomed the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to uphold an earlier ruling by the Labour Court, ordering an employer to pay outstanding wages to 93 migrant workers who were left without work upon arrival in Malaysia. The High Court on 31 October 2025 affirmed the Labour Court’s […] - No tolerance for employers who withhold wages, says HR Minister
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged all employers to take heed of the recent Shah Alam High Court ruling which upheld a decision in favour of 93 migrant workers in an unpaid wage case. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Oct 31 decision sends a strong message that failure to […] - THE HEART WORK REVOLUTION
TEN years after its inception, the Life at Work Awards (LAWA) 2025 marked not just a milestone but a movement that celebrates how Malaysia’s workplaces are evolving with compassion, flexibility and purpose. Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), the gala night honoured organisations leading the way in shaping a fairer, more progressive, human-centred world […] - Group wants clear framework, pilot projects before expanding EIS to gig workers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (Micsea) has called on the government to set a clear policy framework and run pilot projects before expanding the Employment Insurance System (EIS) to gig and platform-based workers. The association said the plan, announced by human resources minister Steven Sim in the Dewan Rakyat on […] - Employer group seeks clarity on foreign worker pay rules after court ruling
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Malaysian Industrial Commercial & Service Employers Association (MICSEA) is calling on the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) to issue clear and structured guidelines on wage payment timelines for foreign workers, following a recent court ruling that employers must pay wages from the moment these workers arrive in Malaysia. The call […]