By Aida Aziz
Credit photo: The Star
IPOH: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) led Northern Corridor Innovation and Technology Center (NTIC) has successfully facilitated collaboration between multinational and local companies, particularly in attracting investors to Perak.
Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the initiative carried out by NCER is significant in advancing the state government’s agenda to enhance the ecosystem and talent pool in the state.
“The NCER initiative has successfully attracted investments, nurtured local businesses, and empowered the community.
“We hope to continue our collaboration with NCER to further attract investments, foster innovation and improve the well-being of the people of Perak,” he said after chairing a meeting of the State Steering Committee (JPN) in Perak here today.
Furthermore, NCER has also collaborated with the Perak State Entrepreneur Secretariat (STeP) to develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
He mentioned that to stimulate the growth of Bumiputera MSMEs, NCER, through the NCER Entrepreneur Fund program, has benefited 10 companies in Perak with a distribution of more than RM16 million.
Meanwhile, NCER Chief Executive Officer Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said they will remain committed to collaborating with the state government to develop and implement strategies that will enhance the state’s appeal to both domestic and international investors.
“We are proud of the progress we have made in Perak, but our journey does not end here. NCER remains dedicated to fostering economic growth, promoting innovation, and empowering the community,” he said.
He added that NCER continues to play a vital role in Perak by implementing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, and to date, 5,333 participants have undergone TVET skills training to equip themselves for the evolving job market.
He stated that NCER is also committed to nurturing MSMEs, which will create more high-quality job opportunities for the local population.
“These MSMEs include the service sector, manufacturing, and modern agriculture. As a result of these efforts, NCER has successfully attracted over RM480 million in direct domestic investment (DDI) from more than 8,700 local companies since 2019,” he said.
Mohamad Haris said that in the tourism sector, NCER has helped rejuvenate the Lata Kinjang Eco Rainforest Park, upgrading various facilities for tourists.
In addition to collaborating with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to establish the Lata Kinjang Orang Asli Cooperative (KOALK) to manage the related tourism area, which is capable of improving the socio-economic status of the local population.
Since its opening in 2022, the Lata Kinjang Eco Rainforest Park has successfully attracted over 110,000 tourists from both domestic and international sources, thereby helping KOALK generate an income of RM1.27 million.
