LUMUT (Oct 25): The proposed establishment of an artificial intelligence (AI)-focused polytechnic in Lumut has been included in Rolling Plan 3 of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with preliminary work expected to begin next year.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the initial phase would involve reviewing applications, expenditure and allocations, as well as identifying suitable sites for the institution.

He said the proposed polytechnic would specialise in AI and other technical disciplines to support skills development and produce a workforce equipped to meet the needs of the technology sector.

He said several locations in the Manjung district, including Segari and Lekir, had been identified as potential sites.

“Preliminary reviews will begin next year, covering applications, expenditure and allocations. We have also started identifying potential sites for the polytechnic,” he told reporters after officiating the Lifelong Learning (PSH) Excellence Centre at Manjung Community College on Pangkor Island on Sunday.

Earlier, in his speech, he said the establishment of the PSH Excellence Centre in Pangkor was a strategic step towards bridging gaps in access to skills training, while strengthening ties between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, industry and the local community.

“I hope this centre will serve as a catalyst for developing local talent capable of contributing directly to Pangkor Island's economic growth.

“We want the local community to be more than just observers of the tourism sector's growth. We want them to become skilled workers, entrepreneurs and business leaders who benefit from this growth,” he said.

On Aug 3 last year, the media reported that a new polytechnic specialising in AI would be built in Lumut as part of efforts to strengthen the national TVET system, in line with developments in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

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