Iskandar Malaysia (IM) has outlined bubble travellers, hard and soft infrastructure and talent reskilling initiatives to assist in economic recovery from the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, also co-Chairman of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) said during the IRDA Members of Authority (MoA) meeting, “I am pleased to see that IM has taken the efforts to reinforce its focus on high impact initiatives that will not only support survivability but also continuously boost our economy and protect the lives and livelihoods of the rakyat.”
“IM should explore the opportunities in modern farming as it could turn Johor into the biggest food producer in the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad, also the co-Chairman of IRDA, said, “With the initiatives presented by Iskandar Malaysia, we hope the local economy will get the necessary boost from the growth of local talents and businesses.”
Talent Reskilling
Iskandar Malaysia Talent Innovation (IMTI) programme has been designed to carry out on-the- job training. The programme will also ensure less dependence on foreign workers.
The Human Capital Development Programme for Iskandar Malaysia Promoted Economic Sectors will focus on niche and required programmes to cater specifically to talent needs.
Bubble Travellers
As a Smart City, Iskandar Malaysia through bubble travellers’ initiative is targeting individuals who could contribute towards the local economy. Basic infrastructure, primarily a super high speed, flexible and open-access communication network, remains the key agenda for the region to pursue. The Technopreneur Incubator Programme seeks to hone fresh graduates and unemployed graduates to become technopreneurs.
Ismail also said for the 2020 financial year, Iskandar Malaysia is expected to record RM24 billion cumulative investments from January to December. The promoted sectors contributed 43% to the total investment recorded last year.
