Perak partners with industries, universities to face AI challenges in workforce
State Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said efforts to strengthen reskilling and upskilling are being intensified through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions such as the Industrial Training Institute, GiatMARA and community colleges.
'The state government recognises that the transition towards AI brings significant challenges for the current workforce.
'Job displacement due to automation and robotics is not only a national concern but a global one. However, our focus is not on rejecting AI, but on managing this transition responsibly,' he said when winding up the debate on the royal address at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
Mohd Azlan added that AI should serve to simplify life, not oppress, and must be embraced as a catalyst and opportunity rather than a threat.
'But to achieve this goal, action must be taken now through inclusive policies, comprehensive training and ethical oversight,' he added.
On the status of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) rollout in the Batu Kurau state constituency as of February, he said two new towers are fully operational in Kampung Cebuk Pelanduk and Simpang Empat, Anak Kura.
'A total of 21 transmitter stations have been upgraded to enhance telecommunication coverage quality.
'As for fixed broadband services, 2,026 out of 2,763 premises are now equipped with gigabit-capable optical fibre access, which is expected to be completed in stages by the end of 2025,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Penang boosts EV talent development to meet rising industry demand
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Penang is ramping up efforts to cultivate local talent for the electric vehicle (EV) industry amid rising market demand. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari stressed the need for skilled automotive professionals to sustain the EV ecosystem. 'We hope collaborations between government and private training centres will strengthen to nurture young talent in this field,' he said. He noted the scarcity of specialised EV training centres despite high industry demand for skilled workers. Zairil spoke after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between EV PLUS Mobility Solutions and SLC Auto Academy. The partnership aims to advance green mobility and talent development in Penang. Zairil said the initiative aligns with the government's push for EV adoption and low-carbon policies. 'This collaboration will create training and job opportunities for youth in the EV sector,' he added. SLC Auto Academy marketing manager Shahrirl Anuar Shah Abdullah highlighted their courses for school dropouts in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The academy offers certificate and diploma programmes in automotive fields, including EV, for students aged 16 to 23. 'Job prospects are vast, with many students securing employment even before completing their courses,' he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Zahid: Strengthen agriculture sector through TVET
KUALA KUBU BARU: The country's agricultural industry needs to be strengthened through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to reduce dependence on food imports, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the move was important to ensuring food security, including in the dairy sector, to meet the needs of the domestic market. Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, said the National TVET Council is prepared to channel assistance and collaborate with agricultural training institutions nationwide to implement the initiative, especially through high-tech courses to attract the interest of young people. "The existing modules are good, but in my view, integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) and modern teaching pedagogy into TVET is essential. Learning should comprise only 30 per cent classroom sessions, with the remaining 70 per cent conducted in the field to give students real-world exposure to agriculture," said Zahid, who is also National TVET Council chairman. He said this at a press conference after opening the groundbreaking ceremony of the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation's (PKPS) "Ehsan Dairy Farm" Dairy Cattle Complex in Kuala Kubu Baru today. Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and PKPS Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi. Zahid added that premium salaries should be offered to TVET graduates in the agricultural sector, rather than being tied to a minimum wage of RM1,700, to attract more young people to join the industry. He said TVET graduates holding the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level Three are eligible to receive a minimum salary of RM3,000, while those with SKM Level Five qualifications can earn up to RM5,000 a month. "SKM Level Five is equivalent to a diploma, and due to strong market demand and high employability, it can command a premium salary of around RM5,000. "This will certainly encourage young people to venture into this field," he said. On "Ehsan Dairy Farm", Zahid described it as a game changer for PKPS in its efforts to boost local dairy production, thereby helping to reduce the country's reliance on imports. "We import about 94.7 per cent of the country's dairy needs, which is worth RM4.6 million a year. "The prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan recently, highlighted that one of the significant burdens we face is the need to import food products, including dairy, from abroad. "This PKPS initiative is a proactive step towards significantly reducing our reliance on dairy imports," he said. The Ehsan Dairy Farm, expected to begin operations in early 2026, will be located on about 16.7 hectares at the Sungai Tengi PKPS Farm. It will house more than 1,200 high-quality Jersey-Holstein Friesian (F2) dairy cows from Australia, a country renowned for its expertise in industrial dairy farming.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Strengthening agriculture sector through TVET for food security
KUALA KUBU BHARU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the strengthening of Malaysia's agricultural sector through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to curb the nation's dependence on food imports. He emphasised that this approach is crucial for achieving food security, particularly in the dairy industry, to meet domestic demand. As Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Chairman of the National TVET Council, Ahmad Zahid stated that the council is ready to support and collaborate with agricultural training institutions nationwide. He highlighted the need for high-tech courses, including the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and modern teaching methods, to attract youth participation. 'Learning should comprise only 30% classroom sessions, with the remaining 70% conducted in the field to provide hands-on agricultural exposure,' he said during a press conference after launching the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation's (PKPS) Ehsan Dairy Farm project. Ahmad Zahid also proposed premium salaries for TVET graduates in agriculture, suggesting that they should earn significantly more than the minimum wage of RM1,700 to make the sector more appealing. Graduates with a Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level Three could earn at least RM3,000 monthly, while those with SKM Level Five qualifications, equivalent to a diploma, could command salaries of up to RM5,000. He described the Ehsan Dairy Farm as a transformative initiative for PKPS, aimed at boosting local dairy production and reducing Malaysia's heavy reliance on imports. Malaysia currently imports 94.7% of its dairy needs, costing RM4.6 million annually. The farm, set to operate by early 2026, will span 16.7 hectares at the Sungai Tengi PKPS Farm and house over 1,200 high-quality Jersey-Holstein Friesian dairy cows imported from Australia. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and PKPS Group CEO Datuk Dr Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi were also present at the event. – Bernama
