Latest news with #IR4.0
Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Govt's AI training drive to include all workforce segments, says Gobind
by SUFEA SALEHUDDIN THE government's artificial intelligence (AI) reskilling and upskilling initiatives will not be limited to fresh graduates or young talent, but will also include existing workers whose jobs are at risk of technological disruption, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (picture). He said the multi-layered approach to talent development reflects Malaysia's whole-of-nation strategy in preparing for the widespread impact of AI and digitalisation on the labour market. 'This is not focused on just one group. We're looking at various layers — from students in schools to those already working — because technology will affect jobs across the board,' Gobind said at the memorandum of understanding (MOU) exchange ceremony between TalentCorp and MyDigital today. While much of the government's digital literacy campaigns and early AI awareness efforts have been directed at students through curricular improvements, Gobind stressed that current employees will be a central focus of the government's training agenda. 'People who are already currently employed are the ones whose jobs will be impacted by technology. We must ensure they are trained to pivot when the time comes,' he said. The government's strategy, he explained, involves encouraging upskilling and reskilling while workers are still in their existing roles, allowing them to transition smoothly when technological shifts alter job requirements. 'This is what we aim to achieve — training while working, so that when change happens, these workers are not left behind,' Gobind said. The Digital Ministry is working closely with the National AI Office (NIO) and other stakeholders to map training needs and consolidate data from public and private providers, ensuring alignment with real industry demands. According to Gobind, this includes short- and long-term training programmes with various certifications under initiatives such as MyMahir and the National Training Week 2025, which aim to offer one million upskilling opportunities with a focus on IR4.0 and AI. He said the collaborative effort also involves accrediting training modules with digital badges and reaching sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, where the impact of automation is expected to be significant. 'This is why we need input from all sectors — academia, industry, associations and AI experts to make sure the system we build is inclusive and future-ready,' he noted.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
No immediate plans for youth entrepreneurship centre in Balingian, says S'wak deputy minister
Ripin notes that there are existing nearby facilities that can be utilised by youth and local entrepreneurs. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): The Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MySED) has clarified that there are currently no plans to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Centre or Creative Industry Incubator in Balingian, despite ongoing efforts to align with digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). This was stated by its deputy minister Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat in response to a question raised by Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. 'For the information of the Honourable Member for Balingian, the ministry currently has no plans to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Centre and Creative Industry Incubator in Balingian,' he said. However, Ripin noted that there are existing nearby facilities that can be utilised by youth and local entrepreneurs. These include the Mukah Digital Innovation Hub, operated by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), and Pusat Inkubator dan Bimbingan Usahawan (Pibu) in Mukah, managed by SEDC, he said. He added that the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) is planning to establish Anjung Usahawan Balingian, with the land acquisition process for the project site already completed. 'The Anjung Usahawan Balingian is expected to offer several key services, including serving as a processing centre to support small-scale production activities, sales kiosks for entrepreneurs to market their products, and food stalls to encourage local food vendors. 'The facility will also include an incubator to nurture startup businesses and a community activity space for engagement and development programmes. 'Should the Honourable Member have any suggestions for improvement, they may contact Mintred,' he said. In response to a supplementary question on efforts to empower youth involvement in entrepreneurship, Ripin highlighted several strategic initiatives currently being implemented. 'The ministry is enhancing 'Program Jelajah Belia Sarawak' to raise awareness among youth about the potential, opportunities, and future career prospects in entrepreneurship. 'It is also organising Youth Entrepreneur Setup (YES) 3.0 in every district to promote entrepreneurial awareness and provide early guidance on business licensing and the relevant agencies involved,' he said. To further encourage youth participation, Ripin also said the ministry is increasing engagement among students in both public and private higher education institutions through the Sarawak Youth Business Idea Competition (Saybic). 'This programme, conducted in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, aims to nurture interest in entrepreneurship, identify young talent, and promote entrepreneurship as a viable career path,' he added. 'Additionally, the Sarawak Youth StartUP Development Programme offers a comprehensive course covering the fundamentals and advanced aspects of entrepreneurship. 'These include business administration, financial management, human resource management, certification, marketing, branding, risk analysis, and business planning. 'The first cohort of this programme was held in December 2024, while the second cohort is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.' Furthermore, he said the ministry is also strengthening collaboration with other ministries such as Mintred, the Federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop), and other relevant Sarawak state and federal government agencies, in an effort to build a symbiotic ecosystem that can support the development of successful and competitive youth entrepreneurs. Looking ahead, Ripin said the establishment of a Startup Hub could be considered based on future developments and needs. Creative Industry Incubator DUN ripin lamat Youth Entrepreneurship Centre
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Skills cements collaborations with Halliburton Energy, SDEC
Sagah (fourth right) witnesses the exchanging of the MoU between Hallman (second right) and Benjamin. – Photo by Churchill Edward KUCHING (May 15): The Sarawak Skills Development Centre (Sarawak Skills) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Halliburton Energy Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. The MoU marks a strategic collaboration to strengthen industry-relevant training and workforce development in Sarawak. 'This partnership aims to support the design and implementation of specialised training programmes, provide practical training and internship opportunities, promote knowledge-sharing initiatives, and encourage joint resource development,' the institution said in notes shared during its Sarawak Leadership Talk here today. 'The MoU reflects a shared commitment by Sarawak Skills and Halliburton to advancing technical skills and capabilities within the oil and gas sector in Malaysia.' Sarawak Skills also signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) to collaborate on advancing Industry 4.0 (IR4.0) technology adoption and workforce skills development in the state. 'This partnership focuses on the retrofitting of advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery and the delivery of practical, hands-on training programs to equip local talent with relevant skills in smart manufacturing and digital technologies,' Sarawak Skills explained. 'The collaboration reflects both parties' commitment to supporting Sarawak's digital transformation by enhancing technical education and preparing a future-ready workforce aligned with industrial innovation.' Halliburton was represented by South East Asia vice president Tomas Benjamin, whereas SDEC was represented by Research and Product Development department head Dr Khairul Hafiz Sharkawi. Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn officiated at the talk.
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia launches chip fund to boost IPO-ready firms
BSIF I aims to future-proof Malaysia's high-tech manufacturing sector by RUPINDER SINGH IN A landmark move to fortify Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem and accelerate the growth of IPOs-ready companies, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and Bintang Capital Partners have launched the Bintang Semiconductor Impact Fund I (BSIF I) — a pioneering initiative that blends financial support with sustainability and social impact. The tripartite collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on April 16, 2025. The fund aims to future-proof Malaysia's high-tech manufacturing sector by building resilience in the domestic semiconductor value chain, enhancing environmental and social performance, and preparing companies for eventual public listing. MIDA CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid hailed the partnership as a turning point for the country's semiconductor ambitions. 'This transformative partnership marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia's semiconductor journey. By combining MIDA's strategic oversight, FMM's extensive industry network and Bintang Capital's financial expertise, we're creating a powerful ecosystem that will elevate local companies to global standards,' added Sikh Shamsul. 'Our focus is to develop world-class capabilities, attract premium investments and establish Malaysia as a trusted global semiconductor hub. This collaboration provides the perfect platform to nurture innovation, drive sustainable practices and create lasting economic impact for our nation,' he added. The launch of BSIF I aligns with the objectives of Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), a multi-pronged roadmap aimed at building up domestic capabilities and capturing greater value across the semiconductor supply chain. The fund is designed to target investments in companies within and adjacent to the semiconductor space, particularly those engaged in high-tech manufacturing, advanced automation, and IR4.0 solutions. FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai described the initiative as a critical enabler for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up the backbone of Malaysia's manufacturing base. 'As the voice of the manufacturing sector, FMM is pleased to support this initiative, which will enable local businesses to enhance their capabilities, tap into funding opportunities and adopt best practices in governance and sustainability. 'At the same time, it aligns with FMM's ambitious aspiration to cultivate 100 IPO-ready companies within five years. Helping companies become IPO-ready and granting them access to financing are crucial steps in enabling their growth. By supporting these promising enterprises, FMM aims to strengthen Malaysia's manufacturing landscape, driving innovation and competitiveness across the region,' Soh added. The fund also incorporates a strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework. BSIF I will support businesses that are committed to carbon transition goals and promote women's empowerment through workforce development. Portfolio companies will be expected to pursue B Corp certification, which signifies high standards in governance, environmental sustainability and social impact. Bintang Capital CEO Johan Rozali-Wathooth described the collaboration as a holistic model that integrates financial capital with values-based investing. 'As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child — the collaboration between Bintang Capital, MIDA and FMM brings together three critical elements needed to 'raise' a vibrant and sustainable high-technology manufacturing industry. 'The collaboration combines Bintang Capital's investment and impact track record, MIDA's deep policy expertise, and FMM's extensive networks within Malaysia's manufacturing sector,' he said. 'On the impact front, Bintang Capital is a passionate advocate for building compa- nies which represent the very best ideals of responsible capitalism: Companies which meet the highest standards of governance and ethicality as represented by B Corp Certification, that also promote and support the empowerment of women, and who also champion environmental sustainability.' BSIF I will serve as a catalytic platform to accelerate Malaysia's positioning in the global semiconductor supply chain at a time when geopolitical shifts and digitalisation are reshaping the sector. By focusing on sustainable development and IPO-readiness, the fund aims not only to create financial returns but also to build a new generation of globally competitive, socially responsible Malaysian enterprises.
Barnama
28-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Prepare Undergraduates To Meet Job Market Demands
T echnological revolution is transforming the global labour market landscape, including Malaysia's, with digital technology becoming the backbone of many key industries such as manufacturing, business, healthcare, finance and agriculture. Digital technology not only simplifies work but also makes an organisation's operations more efficient, both in terms of productivity and cost. Among the important and widely used branches of digital technology in industry are artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which support automation and robotics systems. Experts predict that human reliance on digital technology will continue to grow rapidly in the future, which in turn demands a workforce skilled in this field. Unfortunately, according to experts, Malaysia's institutions of higher learning have yet to fully meet this demand, with the majority of graduates lacking these value-added skills, making it more challenging for them to secure employment. EXPOSURE TO TECHNOLOGY Deputy dean (Research, Development and Publication), Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Associate Prof Dr Md Asrul Nasid Masrom said in this era of digitalisation, graduates can no longer rely solely on academic achievements as the sole benchmark of success. This is because they are facing a more complex and challenging work environment and therefore, comprehensive preparation including adapting to technology is necessary for them to compete in an increasingly competitive job market. 'Graduates today actually have high potential in adapting to digital technology because most of them were born and raised in the digital era. 'However, this ability seems to depend greatly on the extent of their exposure to technology throughout their studies, the readiness of learning infrastructure, as well as the graduates' own initiative in exploring new technologies,' he told Bernama. He said the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), which is closely related to automation, has expanded the use of digital technology in most industries today. As such, the skill to 'play' with technology, especially those related to digital tools, is important and graduates who lack these skills may be left behind in the industry. 'Although they are tech-savvy and know how to use it, their technical skills and in-depth proficiency (in technology) still need to be strengthened through (their involvement in) practical projects and industrial training as well as early exposure to real-life situations (in handling technology). 'Graduates also need to be exposed to the ethical use of technology so that they use it responsibly, ultimately benefiting everyone,' he said. ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES Md Asrul Nasid also said institutions of higher learning need to play a proactive role in shaping graduates to meet market demands. However, he noted the degree of preparedness among these universities to ensure their students are capable of adopting new technologies has not reached the desired level. 'Some institutions have restructured their curricula to include elements such as AI, IoT and automation, which are currently used in industries. However, there are still gaps between the courses offered and the actual needs of the industry. 'Some programmes remain overly theoretical or academic and are not well-suited to adapting to technological advancements… in the context of AI, for instance, many institutions have yet to make AI a compulsory component in non-IT programmes, so regular curriculum reviews based on current job market data are essential,' he said. He also recommended that institutions of higher learning develop a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem, complete with smart labs and digital-based learning, to better prepare students for the challenging work environment. Md Asrul Nasid added that to ensure graduates are more prepared to enter the job market, a more comprehensive alignment and collaboration between universities and industry is crucial. This collaboration would allow for the existing curricula to be enhanced in line with the skills currently required by employers. 'This also includes undertaking joint research emphasising technological knowledge. Industry involvement in such studies should also be encouraged so that it can be commercialised. 'Strong partnerships between universities and industry are necessary to ensure academic programmes are not developed in isolation without fulfilling current labour market needs,' he said. COMPREHENSIVE EFFORTS Meanwhile, Dr Anim Zalina Azizan, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Technology Management and Business at UTHM, acknowledged that Malaysia is currently at a critical stage in ensuring its global competitiveness in disruptive technologies, which include automation and the digital industry. She said this is evident through the government's launch of various initiatives such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, MyDigital, National AI Roadmap 2021–2025 and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, all aimed at strengthening the digital ecosystem and mainstreaming digital skills across various sectors. 'Higher education and skills training are now the main thrusts in preparing the future workforce… efforts to strengthen the curriculum by putting more emphasis on digital literacy, AI, data science, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving are essential to ensure that our graduates are capable of competing in an increasingly technology-driven job market. 'The use of digital technology and AI not only boosts productivity and efficiency but also creates high-value job opportunities. However, it also presents challenges such as the replacement of routine jobs by automation, which requires large-scale reskilling and upskilling strategies to keep the workforce relevant and inclusive,' she said, stressing the importance of implementing digital talent development programmes at universities and enhancing vocational training to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in new technologies among graduates. This step, she said, is crucial as Malaysia still faces a shortage of highly skilled workers in digital technology, especially AI engineers, automation and robotics experts, and professionals experienced in operating advanced digital systems. According to Anim Zalina, there is a digital skills gap – while the demand for AI specialists, data analysts and cybersecurity professionals is rising, the supply of qualified local talent remains insufficient, forcing companies to rely on foreign experts to fill those roles. 'This situation arises when education and training are misaligned, with higher education curricula still heavily focused on conventional subjects without adequate emphasis on AI, automation and digital technology skills. Workforce reskilling and upskilling efforts are also still at an early stage,' she said. She said the Ministry of Higher Education and universities need to adopt a holistic and integrated approach, including updating their curricula, developing continuous training programmes and establishing a robust AI ecosystem. These steps are vital to ensure that graduates are ready to meet the needs of the nation's labour market, thus helping Malaysia position itself within the increasingly challenging global industrial league, she added. -- BERNAMA
