Latest news with #PSDC
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
HR Ministry to collaborate with Penang govt to develop Penang Chip Design Academy
GEORGE TOWN: Discussions are being finalised for the Human Resources Ministry to work with the Penang state government to develop the upcoming Penang Chip Design Academy. Its minister, Steven Sim said that as the institution intended to develop skilled manpower in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors in Penang, he hoped that the collaboration would add value and upgrade the skill training programmes. "It is a state government project and we are in discussion to finalise the collaboration between the ministry and the academy. "As it specialises in developing the semiconductor and high tech sector in Penang, we wish to add value and collaborate to enhance the skill training programmes," Sim told reporters on Thursday (June 19). Located at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) building in Bayan Lepas, the academy would support the state's plan for the development of an Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and Digital Park. It is a key component of the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint and would be led by PSDC in collaboration with key industry players, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool providers, academia, and InvestPenang. Sim had earlier officiated the northern region National Training Week (NTW) 2025 Learning Tour in Raia Inn in Bayan Lepas here. At the event, Sim said the Human Resource Development (HRD) Corporation and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) have formed a strategic collaboration under the Advanced Technology Meister Programme (ATMP) to introduce the Matching Grant for skills development aimed at helping local industries upskill their workforce in advanced technology sectors. He added that some 420 families of fishermen impacted by the Silicon Island development project would receive training and skills development programmes in fields to expand their career opportunities. The NTW programme themed "Learning Beyond Borders", organised by HRD Corp, had brought together over 600 participants from various segments of the community, including school students, civil servants, community members, persons with disabilities (PWDs), cooperatives, and senior citizens, with the aim of empowering them with practical skills aligned with future workforce demands. To date, it has recorded over 3.2 million enrolments, exceeding its initial target of one million enrolments, with about 167,000 enrolments with almost 800 courses recorded across Penang, Kedah and Perlis in the northern region. NTW 2025 will conclude on Saturday (June 21) with the closing ceremony in Ipoh, Perak.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pahang dreams of orbit; aims to harness the sun with spaceport, solar farm
KUANTAN: The fate of the proposed Pahang International Spaceport in Nenasi, Pekan now lies in the hands of the Federal Government. State Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee Chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said the Pahang government has submitted its proposal to develop the facility, which would be the first international rocket launch site in Southeast Asia. "The Pahang government fully supports the proposal, but the matter is still under review, and the final decision will be made by the Federal Government. "The project requires approval from Mosti(Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), the National Physical Planning Council, and the National Security Council. Establishing the facility involves environmental, security, and geopolitical considerations, so it must be thoroughly screened by the Federal government before it can proceed," he told reporters at the Pahang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) here today. Earlier, Nizar launched and closed the AI for Productivity Transformation and Speed Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) programmes respectively at PSDC in Semambu. He was commenting on the status of the Pahang International Spaceport project, which he had announced during the Pahang State Assembly sitting in April this year. If approved, the facility is expected to be completed within the next three to five years. Meanwhile, Nizar said the Chereh dam in Sungai Lembing is among the sites identified for floating solar farms as part of Pahang's renewable energy initiatives. "We are identifying suitable locations such as dams, lakes, and former mining ponds. The Chereh dam shows potential, and we hope to begin the floating solar farm project within the next two years. "Floating solar farms are crucial for land conservation, as they do not require the use of land that could otherwise be used for agriculture or industry," he said. Nizar said that the Pahang government has introduced various initiatives as part of its commitment to sustainability and achieving the Net Zero 2030 target. "Pahang is working closely with a United Arab Emirates-based company to develop the country's first wind farm, with sites identified in Pekan, Rompin, Kuantan, and Lipis. The total cost is projected at RM800 million. "The Pahang State Development Corporation is currently overseeing five solar energy projects, each involving an investment of RM200 million," he said. On the GCPV programme at PSDC, Nizar said the initiative, sponsored by Yayasan Peneraju, is a valuable effort to enhance specialised skills and increase employability in the green technology sector.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Scrabble buffs square off in Penang showdown
DRAWING the Q, X or Z tiles in a game of Scrabble is a blessing, if you are a maestro at it. These rare tiles can help you form words that rake in high scores in this generations-old game first created in 1938. To help you score seven-letter bingos, use special websites and apps to make your mind adept at playing with anagrams. These and many more tips came from Scrabble buffs at the Penang Open Scrabble Tournament here. Out of 465 participants, 200 made it into the grand finals in the primary and secondary school categories and the open category. 'Of the rare tiles, my favourite is Z. It is a more versatile letter and you can make more words with it compared with others like Q or X,' said Leon Ng, 18. That said, his proudest Scrabble move came when he scored a whopping 307 points with the word 'bouquets'. 'I love Scrabble. I've played thousands of rounds online over many hours for the past six years, with people from all over the world. 'It is more than just a game, it's a way for me to connect with others and, at the same time, challenge myself,' said Leon, a finalist in the open category this year after dominating the tournament in the secondary school category last year. He honed his skills by using online tools, word study apps, and Scrabble quizzes. (From left) Malaysia Scrabble Association acting president Mohammad Ali Ismail, Penang Scrabble Club former president Tan Khee Chiang, Ong, Jagdeep, Penang STEM chief executive officer Datuk Chung Chok Yin, Flextronics learning and development manager Sanjeet Mohan, PSDC senior technologist Tham Kok Kee and CKC representative Cheong Vi Hua after the tournament opening. His personal best was a score of 740 points in official tournaments while online, he once raked in 900 points. Another seasoned player, retiree Ng Chee Eng, 64, sees the game as the perfect mental workout. 'It keeps my mind alert. Scrabble isn't just for the young,' he added. Held at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) Bayan Lepas, the two-day grand final was organised by the Penang Math Platform (PMP) with support from Malaysia Scrabble Association (MSA). Event sponsors were CKC Food Industries Sdn Bhd and Flextronics Technology Penang that contributed RM11,000 to cover prizes, meals, workshops and logistical costs. PMP general manager Johnny Ong said the tournament grew significantly even with it just in its second year. 'Last year, we had 340 participants. This year, we have 465,' he said. Ong said players from Sabah, Pahang, Melaka, Selangor and Perak took part in the finals too. More than just a battle of vocabulary, the tournament reflected Penang's unique approach of blending language mastery with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the pursuit of a future-ready generation. Winners walked away with cash prizes, trophies and medals. Ong said the MSA confirmed a new national participation record in this year's tournament. He said the event highlighted Penang's broader vision of leveraging education to drive future economic growth. 'Penang STEM, a state-level initiative, has been instrumental in providing synergistic support for students through platforms like the PMP, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Science Cluster. 'Together, these centres have delivered hundreds of STEM-related programmes reaching hundreds of thousands of students and educators nationwide,' he said. Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who launched the tournament, said English proficiency was critical for students as it was the global language of STEM. 'This aligns with recent calls from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to strengthen English language proficiency in schools,' he said. 'The state government continues to champion education as a core pillar of its Penang2030 vision to become a family-focused, green and smart state. 'Events like this tournament not only inspire young minds but also reflect the state's commitment to preparing its youth for careers in key industries such as electronics, aerospace, medical technology, and food innovation.' Scrabble was invented by Alfred Mosher Butts, an American architect who loved word games. The game gained popularity after entrepreneur James Brunot bought the rights in the late 1940s and made minor changes. In the early 1950s, Scrabble became a household name.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Court dismisses R27 billion damages claim against Department of Science and Innovation
Durban High Court dismisses man on R27 billion claim against Department of Science and Innovation Image: File The Durban High Court has dismissed a man who is demanding R27 billion in damages from the Department of Science and Innovation. The man represented himself and used jargon and acronyms that the court found difficult to comprehend. Melusi Christopher Ntuli applied for a summary of judgement in this court against the department. A summary judgement is issued by the court without going to trial. His particulars comprised four separate claims and when totaled together they amounted to R27bn. Additionally, the court said his claim for judgement summary was some 921 pages. It also said Ntuli's claim appeared to revolve around two devices: a chargeless electric engine and a PSDC motor. 'The claims are based on the unconstitutionality, illegality, marketing, and infringement of the intellectual property rights (IPRs) due to the respondents' (the department) Grassroots Innovation Programme (GIP),' Ntuli said in his affidavit. Ntuli claims that his intellectual property rights have suffered reputational damages. He said the IPRs have a damaged reputation and has suffered the sum of R5bn. The other claim is that the department had no legal grounds for using the IPRs and therefore it has suffered a loss and damaged reputation of R2bn. Ntuli also said the department was not entitled to promote the electric engine through GIP and said the IPRs have suffered R10bn on damaged reputation. Another claim is R10bn for infringed rights of intellectual property. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'From this whistle-stop tour through the plaintiff's claim, it is clear that he seeks unliquidated damages from the defendant,' Judge Robin Mossop said. He said a claim is liquidated if it is fixed either by agreement or by an order of court, or is capable of swift and easy computation. 'There is no such agreement in this instance on the amounts claimed by the plaintiff, nor have the amounts been determined by a court. It is impossible to calculate how the amounts claimed have been calculated,' Judge Mossop added. Judge Mossop said that if he understood the papers drafted by Ntuli correctly about his claims, it appears that he invented the devices. He said it appeared that Ntuli held intellectual property rights to the devices and that the department had accepted the use of these devices into its programme called GIP. Judge Mossop said he did not understand what a PSDC motor is and what GIP is for, as neither of these was explained. Mossop said the department raised its defences properly. Janse van Rensburg, a State attorney, said Ntuli's claim was not liquidated and said this court lacked jurisdiction to deal with this matter, as Ntuli stated that the department was based in Pretoria. Moreover, Judge Mossop advised Ntuli to seek legal assistance. 'It seems to me that it would be beneficial for him (Ntuli) if he acquires legal advice to help him deal with the difficulties that he is inevitably going to face. If he cannot afford such assistance, I have arranged for my registrar to provide him with the local address of Legal Aid South Africa,' Judge Mossop said. Ntuli was given leave to defend the action, and Judge Mossop said costs were reserved for decision by the trial court.
