Selangor Journal: Multilingual workforce make Selangor investors’ top choice
SHAH ALAM, July 9 — Malaysia, and by extension, Selangor, has become a favourite among international investors due to its multilingual population and sizeable pool of skilled workers.
State executive councillor for trade, investment and mobility Ng Sze Han said these aspects have helped expand the Selangor economy, particularly in such advanced industries as aviation.
“From studies and engagement sessions, it was found that Malaysia is a hot favourite for foreign investors in Southeast Asia due to skilled labour and (workers’) proficiency in various languages, especially English,” he told the State Legislative Assembly here today.
Ng reiterated the state government’s aspiration to make Selangor a major industrial hub for Southeast Asia, especially in aerospace.
To achieve this, he said, the state has enacted the Selangor Aerospace Action Plan 2020-2030 as well as several game-changing projects, such as the Selangor Aero Park (SAP) and strategic partnerships with international aviation players.
Ng said the SAP, which is one of several high-impact projects in the First Selangor Plan, aims to provide an environment conducive to research, development and innovation.
“The state government is refining aerospace-related incentives for industry players within the SAP ecosystem.
“This is crucial to ensure industry players remain committed to participating in the SAP, thereby creating quality job opportunities for local residents,” he said during the question-and-answer session.
Ng was responding to a question from Bandar Baru Klang assemblyman Dr Quah Perng Fei about the state government’s moves to expand Selangor’s aviation industry.
He emphasised the state’s efforts to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the aerospace industry.
Referring to the 12th Malaysia Plan and Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, he noted that 32,000 skilled workers will be required to meet the demands of the nation’s aviation and aerospace industries12.
“For example, Singapore Airlines’ engineering (arm) requires 600 employees for its new facility in development in Subang, while Malaysia Airlines’ engineering arm needs about 300 employees this year alone.
“This indicates a positive trajectory for Malaysia and the state’s aerospace economy. The state government will take more proactive steps to supply skilled labour and promote and provide incentives to local youth to engage in this industry,” he said.
Ng said the state government has initiated the Selangor Aerospace Apprenticeship Programme, among other plans, to retain Selangor talent and enhance their skills.
He added that the Rumah Selangorku initiative will provide affordable housing for skilled workers, further incentivising them to remain in the state.
“While we strive to retain skilled labour in Selangor, we are seeing a positive trend of skilled workers returning from overseas due to personal and family factors, and because Malaysia is their home.”
