By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, March 4 — The Selangor administration is proactively addressing the challenge of training and retaining skilled workers in the state to bolster its effort to attract high-impact investments.
State executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han emphasised the necessity of having a skilled workforce to meet major investors’ growing demands, particularly in industries involving advanced technologies.
To this end, Selangor is constantly looking to implement initiatives and projects which meet this goal.
One such example is the development of the Selangor Aerospace Park (SAP), envisioned as a transformative project aimed at positioning the state as a global aerospace hub, with a particular focus on serving Southeast Asia.
“SAP’s development will establish a comprehensive ecosystem for the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) of aircraft in the region.
“Alongside providing necessary training facilities, we will ensure proper job placement opportunities,” he said in an interview with Selangor Journal at the State Secretariat Building recently.
The forthcoming SAP launch, covering a sprawling 2,000-acres in Sepang, is a significant step towards realising Selangor’s vision as a key player in the aerospace industry.
This initiative aligns with the strategic goals per the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) and the Selangor Aerospace Action Plan 2020-2030.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari had emphasised the aerospace industry’s potential to drive Malaysia’s economic growth and create high-quality job opportunities. The state aims to host 70 per cent of the country’s aviation industry by 2030.
Ng acknowledged that one key factor driving skilled professionals to seek employment abroad is the allure of higher salaries.
However, while competitive salaries are important for retaining skilled workers, Malaysia — and by extension, Selangor — can offer a better quality of life as an additional incentive.
“Of course, we want companies to offer good salaries for these skilled labourers, but we can also provide an improved quality of life and a more active lifestyle for them, for example,” he said.
Investment brings much-needed spillover effect
Nonetheless, Ng stressed the importance of exploring additional income streams for Selangor, given its significant contribution to the Malaysian economy and to ensure the state remains competitive.
In 2022, Selangor contributed a record 25.5 per cent to the national gross domestic product (GDP). It also saw an economic growth of 11.9 per cent, surpassing Malaysia’s 8.7 per cent.
Ng’s comment is in line with Amirudin’s previous statement expressing interest in fiscal decentralisation with the Federal government.
Among other things, the Menteri Besar had proposed redirecting a portion of the corporate tax paid by Selangor-based entities back to the state.
However, the councillor clarified that although revenue from approved investments might not currently directly flow back to the state, each investment still generates positive spillover effects, which benefits Selangor.
“Besides creating high-income jobs, these investments also have spillover effects. Businesses often engage local companies to maintain or service certain aspects of their operations,” he said.
Ng added that such investments naturally boost trade activities in the affected areas.
