13MP Expected To Focus On Green Technology, Digital Transformation, Social Protection
By Shaidatul Suhana Ros
KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to focus on green digital transformation, modernisation of high-tech industries and the empowerment of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of long-term strategies to build economic resilience and sustainable development.
An expert in Finance and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Professor Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad said she anticipates the 13MP to be aligned with key policy documents such as the MADANI Economy framework, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.
"The 13MP will likely emphasise green technology, economic digitalisation, development of skilled human capital, rural community well-being and efforts to bridge socio-economic disparities between regions,' she told Bernama today.
She added that infrastructure development will be a critical pillar, with expected initiatives including the expansion of green transport networks, renewable energy grids and high-speed internet in rural areas.
In the education sector, she foresees a continued focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital education and curriculum development for future-ready skills,
For the health sector, she predicts that emphasis will be placed on preventive healthcare, telemedicine and the digitisation of national health records to improve service delivery and access across the population.
"Security will be enhanced through digital transformation, including the use of drones and AI. In addition, it is timely for the government to consider introducing a people's insurance scheme, a form of microinsurance scheme for the B40 group, gig workers and micro entrepreneurs as part of a more inclusive social protection framework," she said.
Commenting on global challenges such as the 25 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on Malaysian products, she said the country could minimise the impact on the economy by strengthening innovation, automation and the production of value-added green products as well as expanding the market and upgrading local industries to ensure long-term economic resilience.
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