Furthermore, the region faces a number of human resource issues: there is a shortage of skilled personnel, a shortage of highly qualified people and a loss of talent. Penang also faces competition from Singapore and other countries that have the human resources and access to research and innovation needed to compete at the high-end of the value chain. The problem is not only an inadequate supply of graduates but the lack of an economy and other regional amenities that retain graduates who are otherwise attracted to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other major economic centres.