Penang Maintains Position As "Export Engine", Contributes 45 Pct To National Exports
GEORGE TOWN, May 1 (Bernama) -- Penang’s economy is on a very strong footing as it moves into the second quarter of 2026, and the state continues to maintain its position as Malaysia’s “Export Engine,” contributing nearly 45 per cent to total national exports.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this achievement was driven by a jump in investment in the manufacturing sector, which recorded a value of RM22.4 billion last year.
However, he noted that the figures are only meaningful when translated into the well-being of the people, with 24,633 new job opportunities expected to be created from these investment projects. The focus now is to ensure that the people of Penang are not merely observers but also emerge as key players in high-value industries.
“Today, May 1, 2026, we are not merely commemorating a date on the calendar; rather, we are celebrating the heartbeat of this state’s economy—you, the workers who are the backbone of progress.
“The theme ‘Pekerja MADANI Kesuma Bangsa’ highlighted this year is the highest recognition that behind every growth figure and every skyscraper standing tall in Penang lie the sweat and sincere sacrifices of every individual who is called a worker,” he said in a message in conjunction with Workers’ Day today.
Chow said the unemployment rate, now stable at 2.7 per cent, proves that Penang’s labour market remains dynamic and resilient. However, the real challenge in 2026 is the “skills revolution,” as it faces the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the shift toward a green economy.
He said the state government will not leave its people to face these changes alone, and through allocated development funding, it is building an ecosystem that not only protects but also empowers the workforce.
“Two landmark projects are now transforming the career landscape in this state. First is the development of Silicon Island through the Green Tech Park, which will emerge as a hub for future jobs. It is not merely a new industrial area but a progressive ecosystem that integrates advanced technology with environmental sustainability.
“Second, the aspiration to realise a modern transportation system is becoming a reality through the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Entering a critical construction phase this year, the project reflects our commitment to ‘returning time’ to the people—time previously lost in traffic congestion can now be used for family and a better quality of life,” he said.
He added that besides physical infrastructure development, an investment of RM15 million in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes is being planned to ensure that the younger generation possesses a globally recognised “skills passport.”
He said the state government aims to produce a workforce that is not only capable of carrying out instructions but also able to innovate and create solutions to global challenges and problems.
“As we pursue productivity, we must never neglect human values. I urge employers across the state to view mental health and work-life balance as an investment, not a cost burden,” he said.
-- BERNAMA