Malaysia focused on developing, retaining robust digital talents

Malaysia is implementing targeted strategies to strengthen the nation’s digital talent pool, particularly within the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem — underpinned by the creation of high-skilled jobs and the retention of quality talent.

Speaking at the ‘Machines Can See’ event at the Museum of the Future in Dubai yesterday, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) was one of the ways to prepare Malaysia to develop a high-quality digital workforce.

“The whole idea is to look at what is needed. We have, for example, NAIO, as we work closely with various ministries to understand what is required to create and retain talent. We are looking at start-ups and the kind of talent within that space — how we can boost technology and the start-up scene. That was evident at the KL20 Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year,” said Gobind.

“We are also looking at how the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) can fast-track applications related to digital initiatives, and how we can attract more talent to Malaysia.

“We are clear and focused on what we want to do for the next 10 years, as outlined in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint 2025-2030.”

Gobind was part of a panel discussion titled ‘Wanted: AI to Retain and Attract Talents to the Country’. Other panellists included Indonesia’s Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, Egypt’s Communications and Information Technology Minister Dr Amr Talaat, and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev. The session was moderated by Lenah Hassaballah, a CNN Business Arabic presenter.

He added that education should not be viewed solely through a university lens. Instead, courses should be updated with relevant tech modules, including those taught to children transitioning from primary to secondary education.

“We need the right talent to keep respective sectors moving forward, and we must identify gaps that can be transformed into new opportunities for the people.”

Gobind noted that Malaysia continues to attract global tech giants to set up data centres, and has the resources to support their operations.

“We are looking at data centres that will drive future technologies. We see value in the ecosystems built around them. Going forward, Malaysia could have the highest number of data centres in the region.”

He also stressed that governments must take a horizontal view when it comes to AI.

“Our ministry will take a holistic approach — looking across industries and finding solutions. This is the way forward.”

Gobind added that Malaysia is open to working with any country to advance AI and talent development. Commenting on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Malaysia, he said: “We work with China, and we still work with the US. That position will not change. We have built friendships with both, and we will continue to do so.”

Malaysia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE and Rwanda yesterday to enhance coordination and drive AI adoption across the Global South.

Through the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) global network, the partnership will focus on developing shared frameworks for ethical AI and responsible governance.

“Together, we aim to empower nations in our region to harness the full potential of AI for societal and economic progress — in a way that is inclusive, values-driven, and future-ready,” Gobind posted on Facebook.