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Economic development

Strengthening Human Capital and Entrepreneurship in Penang Through Strategic Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing human capital and stimulating entrepreneurship in the local community through a strengthened strategic cooperation with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The cooperation aims to leverage the technical expertise of both parties to improve the skills of students and instructors at PERDA-TECH and produce competitive and professional entrepreneurs. This collaboration is expected to bring significant benefits to society, particularly in promoting research, innovation, and product commercialisation as a catalyst for the local economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • PERDA and USM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote, develop, and establish cooperation programmes in various fields, including student and staff exchange, research, education, TVET, entrepreneurship, community development, and joint publications.
  • The MoU enables both parties to take necessary steps to collaborate on two pilot projects, namely the production of value-added organic fertiliser from fruit peel waste and the development of packaging that enhances market appeal.
  • The collaboration has led to the implementation of two pilot projects, with PERDA providing support to USM spin-off companies, namely IMTANOMIC Sdn Bhd and the Jeruk Pak Ali Research and Development project.
  • PERDA chairman Datuk Dr. Shaik Hussein Mydin emphasized that the collaboration adds value to human capital development and supports the agenda of research, innovation, and product commercialisation as a catalyst for the local economy.
  • USM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed expressed hope that PERDA will continue to be a key strategic partner in bringing USM's research technology into real-world applications.

Statistics:

  • The collaboration involves the exchange of students and staff between PERDA and USM.
  • Two pilot projects have been implemented, with an initial investment of RM20,000 by PERDA for the handing over of a mock cheque to USM spin-off companies.
  • 2 USM spin-off companies, namely IMTANOMIC Sdn Bhd and the Jeruk Pak Ali Research and Development project, received support from PERDA.
  • 1 year has passed since the signing of the MoU on November 6, 2023.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency, 18 Sep 2025
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) press release (no date given in the original text)

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