STS 2026 Targets 30 Pct Increase In Investment Generation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Techsphere Summit 2026 (STS 2026) is targeting to generate a 30 per cent increase in annual investment generation compared with the 2025 edition in line with efforts to strengthen Selangor’s position as a leading technology and talent hub in Southeast Asia.

Dr Harizal Hamid, chief executive officer of organiser Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC), said the summit’s second edition brings together more than 33 leading global companies to connect the technology ecosystem with human capital development, particularly in high-impact industries.

He said the main focus areas include AI, semiconductors, the green economy and workforce development to meet the needs of rapidly growing industries.

“This programme was established as a strategic platform to connect the entire technology ecosystem with human capital development,” he told reporters on the sidelines of STS 2026, which is being held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.

The four-day summit, which begins today, is organised by the state government through STDC under the Selangor International Business Summit 2026 (SIBS 2026). Powered by Hannover Messe, it was officially opened by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Harizal said that through its industry education segment introduced in 2021, STDC has trained 2,500 Selangor-born individuals under state government sponsorship, with graduate employability exceeding 80 per cent.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Messe AG (organiser of Hannover Messe) managing director for Asia-Pacific, Tim Bostridge, said STS 2026 provides a platform for international industry and technology players to collaborate, exchange knowledge and explore technological applications to improve productivity and business efficiency.

He said the exhibition also gives companies an opportunity to understand how emerging technologies can support future business growth.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director Raymond Tan said the company’s participation focuses on transferring technical expertise and developing the skills of the local workforce through training and industry knowledge-sharing initiatives.

He said these efforts aim to produce a new generation of local technicians equipped with relevant skills and better employment opportunities upon completing their training.

STS 2026 brings together more than 1,000 delegates and visitors from 25 countries, including industry leaders and global companies such as BMW Group, Google, Festo, Siemens and the KNX Association, which are showcasing the latest technologies in automation, artificial intelligence and green technology.

-- BERNAMA