Malaysia unlocks AI potential through education, training

The newly established National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) is poised to significantly accelerate AI-related training and keep Malaysia competitive in the rapidly evolving global economy, said Perthpal Singh, founder of human development company Learning Edge.

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Illustrative image. (Source: hrmasia.com)

The newly established National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) is poised to significantly accelerate AI-related training and keep Malaysia competitive in the rapidly evolving global economy, said Perthpal Singh, founder of human development company Learning Edge.

The NAIO, envisioned to transform Malaysia from an AI consumer to an AI producer, can play a key role in identifying and addressing the country's shortcomings in the training industry, thereby expediting progress.

Perthpal noted that the current overemphasis on soft skills training leaves critical areas, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics, severely underdeveloped.

“Malaysia has tremendous potential and NAIO's announcement is timely. Our training industry must shift its focus from traditional skills to future-ready capabilities,” he told Bernama at the NAIO launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently.

The NAIO comes at the right time as Malaysia must elevate technical education systems and align them with industry demands in areas such as renewable energy, robotics, and biotech.

According to reports, about 500,000 new roles are expected in digital technologies such as AI, cybersecurity and data analytics by 2030 in Malaysia.

Perthpal advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

He stressed the importance of increased industry engagement to provide students with practical, real-world experience, a currently lacking area. He recommended a work-based approach, where 60% of the syllabus focuses on industry experience.

Perthpal also highlighted the need to change the perception of TVET as a second-tier education option, which discourages enrolment and fails to attract top talent.

VNA