Malaysia is on an upward trajectory when it comes to preparing for digital talent, with a strong focus on fostering digital skills that are critical to foster future growth.
This is evident in the country’s increased demand for 42,835 digital jobs in the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24), highlighting the importance of digital roles in various industries, especially banking and manufacturing.
According to a 2024 IBM CEO Study, 64% of the 3,000 chief executive officers across 30 countries and 20 industries believe that the success of generative AI will depend more on the adoption rate of the people rather than the technology itself.
The study also showed that 35% of the workforce will require retraining and reskilling within the next 3 years.
“By prioritising digital skills and AI proficiency, Malaysia is building the foundation for a resilient and competitive economy, driven by innovation and technological advancement,” said IBM Malaysia managing director and technology leader Dickson Woo, following the pledge by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to assist the Education Ministry in enhancing the Digital Education Policy.
Woo stated that impowering students with capabilities in AI, data analytics, cloud computing and cybersecurity, alongside nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills. The initiative will also help ensure the country’s future workforce can meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital world.
Echoing this sentiment, Learning Edge founder and managing director Perthpal Singh Khosa suggests for the government to increase investment in skills development along with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies and greater economic inclusivity in the upcoming Budget 2025.
Perthpal believes that economic inclusivity regardless of background or age is essential to provide Malaysians with access to opportunities in the new digital landscape.
“This requires bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, providing fair access to education and supporting lifelong learning,” he said.
He also mentioned specific areas of investment, including industry-relevant technical and vocational education (TVET), digital education and leadership programmes, stating that strategic budget allocations are necessary to bolster human capital development, particularly through TVET initiatives.
However, he expressed concern that some current initiatives were not producing the skilled professionals needed to move the country forward.
“The changes we will witness in the next 3 to 5 years will be faster and more transformative than the past decade. AI is going to revolutionise industries and those who aren’t prepared will be left behind,” he added.
Being an advocate of talent development, Perthpal asserted that a well-funded, industry-relevant TVET system is crucial for equipping individuals with the specialised skills needed to keep Malaysia competitive in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and emerging industries like green technology.
“Significant investments in digital education are essential to ensure the next generation possesses digital fluency as automation and AI continue to redefine industries.
“We also need to fund leadership development programmes at all levels. Lifelong learning incentives are crucial, making it easier for Malaysians to access continuous education through grants, subsidies or employer-supported schemes,” said Perthpal.
In order to enhance service delivery and fully integrate AI and automation into operations, Perthpal also suggests industry experts in policy-making to establish stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.
