As a result, initiatives remain on periphery of higher education institutions, e.g. developing student hostels. In the past, the state of Penang has benefited from forward thinking civic and private sector leaders, including representatives of multinational corporations. However, currently Penang as an “opposition” state has limited authority to implement initiatives to address human resource needs through higher education institutions. Furthermore, the Government of Malaysia is shifting federal funding from Penang to the Northern Corridor Economic Region and other federally-controlled entities.