Latest news with #MalaysiaDigitalEconomyBlueprint
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
AS the demands of the global workforce evolve at unprecedented speed, universities are no longer expected to merely keep up – they must lead. UNITAR Education Group is doing exactly that. With a proud legacy of innovation and a mission firmly rooted in the future, UNITAR is redefining the higher education experience in Malaysia and beyond. Since making history in 1997 as South-East Asia's first virtual university, UNITAR has consistently taken bold steps to stay ahead of the curve. More than three decades later, it stands as a dynamic, fast-growing institution, serving over 16,000 learners across 25 locations nationwide. Prof Sahol (second left) and Dr Begum (second right) at the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between UNITAR and Microsoft. They were joined by UNITAR Education Group's Centre for Academic Excellence director Dr Hemalata Alagan (far left) and Microsoft Malaysia Legal and Government Affairs director Adilah Junid (far right). At its core, UNITAR is more than a university – it is a forward-moving force committed to accessibility, relevance, and excellence in education. Forward-thinking and future-ready UNITAR's progressive vision is woven into every facet of its operations. From foundation to doctorate programmes, its academic offerings are designed not just to confer qualifications, but to develop resilient, adaptable, and socially responsible graduates. Central to this is UNITAR's distinctive C.A.R.E. pedagogy – Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, and Entrepreneurial. This model encourages students to think critically, work effectively in teams, adapt to challenges, nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, and contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. Empowering learners and educators alike UNITAR's growth is measured not only by increasing enrolment but also by the strength of its academic community and depth of industry partnerships. Additionally, its direction aligns closely with Malaysia's vision for a digitally driven, high-income economy, as outlined in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL). A landmark example of this is UNITAR's national-first collaboration with Microsoft, making it the first university in Malaysia to embed Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy into all Diploma and Bachelor's programmes. Through seven Microsoft AI Fluency modules integrated into the curriculum, UNITAR ensures emerging technologies are accessible, inclusive, and actionable for students in every discipline. This is not a passing trend but a strategic transformation – one that equips every graduate with future-proof competencies to lead in a data-driven world. The collaboration was formalised via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by UNITAR's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tan Sri Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, and Microsoft's Director of Legal, Corporate and Government Affairs for Asean and New Markets, Dr Jasmine Begum. 'This collaboration is not merely symbolic – it is structural, strategic, and above all, transformational,' shares Prof Sahol. 'Through this collaboration with Microsoft, we are embedding AI modules directly into our academic ecosystem across all Diploma and Bachelor programmes. 'We are democratising digital empowerment by making AI accessible to every student – from business to education to design.' He added, 'Let UNITAR be the first – but let us not be the last. We envision UNITAR as a living laboratory of innovation, where digital transformation is not a buzzword, but a pedagogical backbone.' At the MoU signing, Dr Jasmine Begum reaffirmed Microsoft's commitment to inclusive education and AI development: 'We are proud to support UNITAR in leading this national-first initiative. AI skills must be accessible, equitable, and embedded into every learning journey. 'UNITAR's approach not only builds technical fluency, but also nurtures responsibility, inclusion, and innovation,' she said. The future is here As Malaysia moves toward a digital economy, UNITAR is playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future workforce. With a clear mission, bold strategy, and passionate academic community, it is not just keeping pace with change – it is driving it. The university is home to dedicated academics across its diverse faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education and Humanities, School of Information Technology, and School of Media, Arts and Design. This academic strength is further enhanced by more than 100 distinguished adjunct professors, each bringing a wealth of real-world expertise to the university. These adjunct appointments underscore UNITAR's strategy to bridge academia and industry in placement for internships, job opportunities and career preparation, highlighting UNITAR's commitment to dynamic, future-ready, and practice-informed higher education. Since its inception, UNITAR has championed an innovative learning methodology – where technology enhances, but never replaces, the value of human connection. Its hybrid delivery of conventional and online learning meets the evolving needs of 21st-century learners. Creating career-ready graduates UNITAR's commitment to transformation is powered by an agile leadership team that anticipates trends and challenges in the education landscape. This proactive approach ensures its programmes remain relevant in a world shaped by technology, globalisation, and shifting learner expectations. Beyond academic excellence, UNITAR places strong emphasis on holistic development, creating leaders equipped not only with career-ready skills but also with the confidence to make a difference in their workplaces and communities. Its efforts are reflected in the 98% employability rate of its graduates, as reported by the Education Ministry's (MOHE) Graduate Tracer Study 2024. Students also benefit from the UNITAR Leadership Series – monthly sessions featuring industry leaders, including the university's own adjunct professors. Open to students from all faculties and levels, these talks provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Selected participants are invited to exclusive roundtable discussions with the speakers, fostering direct engagement and the exchange of ideas with influential figures from various industries. UNITAR's journey from pioneering virtual learning in 1997 to embedding AI into every diploma and degree today reflects one consistent truth: its readiness to lead. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, UNITAR is not just preparing students for the future – it is actively shaping it.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia unveils National Cloud Computing Policy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia reaffirms its ambition to become a leading regional cloud and digital hub by 2030 with the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP), a strategic blueprint that focuses on five core pillars guiding sustainable cloud adoption in Malaysia. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said yesterday this policy directly supports the objectives of MyDigital and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint by unlocking real economic potential. 'The NCCP is fully aligned with the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS). 'It implements robust security frameworks to protect national data and build public trust. 'It upholds data sovereignty, ensuring Malaysian laws govern data generated within Malaysia. 'Further, it also introduces a sound regulatory framework, one that provides clear direction for stakeholders to develop specific policies tailored to their needs, while ensuring flexibility within a unified national strategy. 'This approach empowers each sector to adapt and innovate, without compromising alignment with the broader national vision. 'Importantly, this policy also places sustainability at its core,' he told delegates during the launch of the NCCP at the Asean AI Summit 2025. Gobind said the NCCP is promoting green cloud computing practices, from energy-efficient data centres to environmentally friendly infrastructure. Elaborating on the NCCP's five pillars, Gobind said the policy, for the public sector, mandates cloud adoption in all government agencies, modernising infrastructure to boost efficiency, enhance transparency, and deliver faster, more reliable citizen-centred services. For businesses, especially SMEs, the NCCP drives growth, fosters innovation, and levels the playing field through scalable cloud solutions, supported by collaboration between academia, local providers and global tech leaders. For citizens, NCCP enhances data protection and privacy, promotes digital inclusivity for both urban and rural communities, and advocates for environmental sustainability through resource-efficient cloud practices that minimise environmental impact. Gobind said the NCCP will evolve as technologies change, but its purpose remains constant, which enables progress, protects national interests, and uplifts Malaysians. He envisions a nation where government digital services are faster, more affordable, and accessible – eliminating long queues for tasks such as passport renewals, licence applications, and permit processing. 'Achieving this requires building strong digital foundations, leveraging new technologies, and continuously enhancing our infrastructure to deliver seamless, citizen-focused services. 'I urge the government, industry, academia, and civil society to embrace the opportunities of cloud computing offers. 'Let us move forward together with a whole-of-nation mindset to build a digital future that is resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive,' he said. Digital Ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar said the NCCP, the ministry's first, will continuously evolve to address emerging technologies and challenges. He said the next step is to develop a detailed action plan with clear, measurable deliverables and timelines, supported by robust governance structures and regulatory frameworks. This plan will use predictive measures and key performance indicators (KPIs) to proactively monitor progress and adapt to the evolving technological landscape, ensuring a data-driven approach. Fabian said the Digital Ministry is committed to a 'cloud-first' approach for government services to enhance efficiency and create a trusted and secure digital environment for everyone. He said these policies are crucial for Malaysia's long-term economic sustainability and resilience, adding that the goal is to establish Malaysia as a leading digital hub in the Asean region, where businesses, including SMEs and startups, can leverage cloud technology to innovate and compete regionally. 'The NCCP is the foundational pillar on which Malaysia will build the future. It is with immense pride that I would highlight the NCCP's development journey, which was a true 'whole-of-nation' effort. 'Our team developed this policy entirely in-house with zero external costs, demonstrating our commitment to building indigenous capabilities. 'This process involved comprehensive engagements with a diverse array of stakeholders across all sectors, including industry leaders, academia, legal advisors, and civil society representatives,' he said. 'Their invaluable input and collaboration resulted in a robust and well-informed policy that truly reflects our nation's collective aspirations for secure, sovereign, inclusive, and sustainable cloud futures.' The secretary-general said this policy is not just a government directive but a strategic blueprint that will guide Malaysia toward a secure, inclusive, and sustainable cloud future, positioning Malaysia as a leader in the Asean digital economy.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia aims to be regional cloud hub by 2030 with new policy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its ambition to become a leading regional cloud and digital hub by 2030 with the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP). Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that the NCCP aligns with MyDIGITAL and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint to unlock economic potential. A recent study by the Asian Development Bank Institute and AWS projects that a one per cent increase in cloud adoption could add RM10.5 billion to Malaysia's GDP. Gobind highlighted that accelerating cloud adoption from 2024 to 2028 could generate an additional RM110 billion in economic value. He noted that global tech players are investing billions in Malaysia's digital infrastructure, including new cloud regions and data centres. The NCCP focuses on five core pillars, including public-private sector guidance, data protection, and environmental sustainability. Gobind emphasised that the policy ensures inclusive digital transformation across sectors, institutions, and communities. The NCCP also serves as a national action plan to maintain Malaysia's competitiveness in the global digital economy. The Digital Ministry stated that the policy will enhance efficiency in both public and private sector digitalisation. It will also strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete in the digital economy. Designed as a dynamic policy, the NCCP can adapt to technological changes and global cloud computing challenges. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Cloud Computing Policy To Position Malaysia As Regional Hub By 2030
BUSINESS Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo delivers his speech during an Official Launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy at Nexus Stage, MITEC today. KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its ambition to become a leading regional cloud and digital hub by 2030 with the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP), a pivotal step in the development of the country's digital ecosystem, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said the NCCP directly supports the objectives of MyDIGITAL and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint by unlocking real economic potential, apart from providing a clear direction for the country's digital transformation journey. Citing the Asian Development Bank Institute and AWS's recent study, Gobind said it was projected that even a one per cent increase in cloud adoption could contribute up to a remarkable RM10.5 billion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). "Looking ahead, by accelerating our cloud strategy from 2024 to 2028, we could unlock a staggering RM110 billion in additional economic value. Our commitment has attracted world-class partners and unprecedented investments. 'We are witnessing billions of ringgit being channelled into our digital infrastructure, with global tech players establishing new cloud regions and data centres right here in Malaysia," he said during the launch of the NCCP at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 (AAIMS25), today. According to Gobind, the NCCP upholds five core pillars to strengthen the adoption of cloud in Malaysia, specifically to guide the public and private sectors; data protection and privacy; digital inclusivity as well as environmental sustainability. "The NCCP embodies a whole-of-nation approach. It reflects our belief that true digital transformation must be inclusive, reaching across sectors, institutions, and communities. "Beyond serving as a guiding document, the NCCP functions as a national action plan to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the fast-evolving global digital economy -- it establishes the foundation for strategic, well-managed, and high-impact adoption of cloud technology," he added. Meanwhile, according to the Digital Ministry, the implementation of the NCCP will support the transition of both the public and private sectors towards more efficient digitalisation, while enhancing the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete in the digital economy.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia unveils cloud policy to drive RM110bil digital economy boost
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to become a world-class digital and cloud computing hub by 2030 through the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP) today. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the NCCP serves as the nation's strategic blueprint to drive a sovereign, secure, inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem, positioning Malaysia as a premier investment destination in the regional digital economy. He said the policy directly supports the objectives of MyDigital and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, not only by setting the strategic direction but also by unlocking real economic potential. He added that a recent study by the Asian Development Bank Institute and AWS projects that even a one per cent increase in cloud adoption could contribute up to RM10.5 billion to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP). "This figure is not just a statistic. It represents new jobs, greater opportunities and stronger economic resilience for our country. "Moving forward, by accelerating cloud strategies from 2024 to 2028, we have the potential to unlock an additional RM110 billion in economic value," he said at the NCCP launch today. Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and the ministry's secretary-general, Fabian Bigar. Gobind said the NCCP will drive investment in cloud technologies, boost the competitiveness of local businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create a conducive business environment for innovation to flourish. Previously, he noted, cloud initiatives in Malaysia were implemented in silos, creating a risk of falling behind in the fast-evolving global digital economy. He said the NCCP addresses this gap by adopting a whole-of-nation approach, bringing together government agencies, the private sector, cloud service providers, academia and the community. He added that the policy will be aligned with existing national digital strategies, including MyDigital, the National Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) to ensure Malaysia remains on track to attract high-value foreign investments. According to Gobind, the NCCP is anchored on five pillars, which are public sector transformation, private sector growth, data security, digital inclusion and environmental sustainability, forming a complete framework for building a globally competitive digital ecosystem. Beyond economic growth, he said, the policy will deliver tangible benefits to the people, from equitable access to technology to the creation of high-skilled jobs. "The NCCP is not just a technology agenda. It is an economic agenda. Investments in green data centres, cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity will strengthen our digital sovereignty while boosting GDP growth. "Therefore, the Digital Ministry calls on all stakeholders to work together in implementing the NCCP in an integrated manner, ensuring Malaysia maintains its momentum as a key player in the global digital economy," he said.
