US-China trade tensions: Boom and gloom - Penang

Electronics-hub state Penang wins big in tech war but faces talent crunch

Above: Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, chairman of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce's electronics committee, says Penang needs to win the "talent war" to ensure investors stay. Left: Staff at high-technology equipment maker Pentamaster, which has
Staff at high-technology equipment maker Pentamaster, which has seen sales of its automation systems for semiconductor firms slow, but orders in other sectors have gone up. ST PHOTO: SHANNON TEOH
Above: Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, chairman of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce's electronics committee, says Penang needs to win the "talent war" to ensure investors stay. Left: Staff at high-technology equipment maker Pentamaster, which has
Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, chairman of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce's electronics committee, says Penang needs to win the "talent war" to ensure investors stay. ST PHOTO: SHANNON TEOH
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BATU KAWAN (Penang) • When a little-known metal fabricator in Penang planned in 2014 to move to larger facilities, it began preparing a public listing to finance its expansion.

Last year, UWC opened its 5ha plant for business in Batu Kawan, a southern district on the island state's mainland.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 16, 2019, with the headline Electronics-hub state Penang wins big in tech war but faces talent crunch. Subscribe