PETALING JAYA (Aug 27): The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti) is collaborating with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to ensure a ready skilled workforce to support the nation’s adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said that both ministries have presented a talent development proposal to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for inclusion in the upcoming Budget 2025.

“I have discussed with the Minister of Higher Education on the importance of preparing the industry with AI-ready talent. This will ensure that when the industry adopts AI, the necessary workforce is available to join these companies,” Tengku Zafrul told the media after officiating the AI Conference 2024 here on Tuesday.

Earlier in his speech, Tengku Zafrul emphasised that the government’s goals under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 are to leverage digitalisation to create high-value jobs, enhance productivity, and foster sustainable growth.

“By aiming to create 3,000 smart factories, we will ensure manufacturers are well-equipped to adopt and integrate AI and digital technology into their operations,” he noted.

Under the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap launched in May this year, Malaysia aims to become a global AI leader by 2030 by advancing AI research and innovation, nurturing a vibrant AI ecosystem, and promoting responsible AI usage, Tengku Zafrul said.

As AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and unexpected challenges, Tengku Zafrul highlighted that Miti, alongside the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and other key ministries, agencies and stakeholders, must play an active role in positioning Malaysia at the forefront of the global AI revolution.

Tengku Zafrul also noted that Malaysia’s AI ambitions are closely tied to the success of the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, which in 2023 produced 13% of global back-end semiconductors, driving 40% of exports and contributing 5.8% to the country’s gross domestic product.

As of July 2024, 40% of Malaysia’s exports, worth RM51.78 billion, were E&E products, with semiconductors being a major part. As a result, Malaysia is now the sixth-largest semiconductor exporter globally.

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