PETALING JAYA (Nov 10): French energy management and automation company Schneider Electric has opened a regional training centre in an attempt to help workers keep pace with technological advances in data centres and other industries across Asia-Pacific.
The 18,500 sq ft facility in Petaling Jaya has the capacity to train more than 550 participants annually from 15 Asia-Pacific countries.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said practical training was increasingly important as investment in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, smart factories and renewable energy raised demand for skilled workers.
He warned that engineers, technicians and young technical and vocational education and training (TVET) graduates risked being left behind as technology advanced.
“In the first half of 2026, Malaysia recorded more than RM200 billion in approved investments, including RM95 billion in data centres and cloud infrastructure, particularly in Selangor and Johor,” he said at the launch.
“Without equipping our engineers, technicians, and young TVET talents with practical, industry-relevant skills, we risk leaving our workforce behind while technology advances.”
Chang said the centre could help turn national innovation policies into economic gains by developing workers with industry-relevant skills, supporting knowledge and technology transfer, and connecting local start-ups with industrial expertise.
With the right tools and training, Malaysians could compete internationally and take on roles developing, operating and leading technologies across the region, he added.
The opening also builds on France–Malaysia cooperation in technology, innovation and talent development as the countries approach 70 years of diplomatic relations. French ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour said the centre would bring international expertise together with local experience, allowing engineers and technicians from different markets to exchange knowledge and collaborate.
“French companies are not here as short-term visitors. They are here as long-term partners, growing alongside the nation and investing in its future,” he said.
Schneider Electric Malaysia country president Eugene Quah said Malaysia was chosen for its talent, strategic location, growing digital economy and government commitment to skills development.
He said linking the training academy with the company’s service teams would allow problems encountered at customers’ facilities to be incorporated into training.
“That means what we learn from customers shapes our training, and what we teach helps solve the issues they face,” he said.
Training will be offered to Schneider Electric employees, customers, partners and contractors to improve their ability to install, operate and maintain energy and automation systems.
Courses will cover low- and medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment, including circuit breakers and transformers, as well as backup power supplies and battery systems. Other training will focus on energy management, industrial automation and digital tools for monitoring data centre operations.
Trainees will work with functioning equipment to practise identifying faults and learn how electrical supplies, backup power and monitoring systems work together.