Latest news with #MalaysiaDigitalEconomyBlueprint
Malaysiakini
15-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Future-proofing graduates for tomorrow's digital economy
THE digital economy is driving global transformation by reshaping industries, redefining work and creating opportunities for those with the right skills. Preparing for the future job market is essential as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionise how we work and create. Malaysia is advancing into Phase Two of its Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), having surpassed its initial RM70bil digital investment target within a year. Malaysia achieved US$16.9bil (RM74.8bil) in approved digital investments, driven by global tech giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google and Microsoft. Driving tech-forward education Digital Tech education is now vital for navigating this digital whirlwind and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) is leading the charge with industry-focused programmes to meet the demands of the digital era. 'As one of Malaysia's Premier Digital Tech Institutions, APU is closely aligned with national priorities, offering a curriculum that reflects the demands of today's tech ecosystem,' explained APU'sacademic development and strategy deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Murali Raman. In today's fast-evolving digital economy, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates need more than just a qualification — they need future-ready skills and resilient career paths. APU provides a solid foundation aligned with Malaysia's national goals, including MyDIGITAL and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy. Using SPM, 'O' Level or equivalent qualifications, students can progress to a wide range of internationally recognised degrees at APU in Malaysia via the APU Foundation Programme. Filling the digital skills gap APU's information technology (IT) programmes prepare students for high-demand sectors such as cyber security, AI, cloud engineering, IoT, data analytics and digital forensics. As a notable example, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the urgent need for cyber security experts to safeguard national digital infrastructure. Malaysia's digital content sector, employing over 10,000 professionals across more than 300 studios, contributes significantly to the gross domestic product. APU is well-placed to meet the growing demand in this field with courses in Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Interactive Media, Game Development, Animation and Visual Effects, supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) initiatives. Building global talent with integrated digital tech skills Globally, there is a rapidly growing demand for professionals across all subject domain areas who also possess strong digital tech skills. In this regard, APU's Accounting and Finance programmes — including Forensic Accounting, AccTech and Investment Analytics — strongly integrate financial knowledge with digital skills. Its specialised programmes in Business Management, Business Analytics, E-Business, Digital Leadership and Digital Marketing nurture talent to drive technology and innovation in both small and medium-sized enterprises and global corporations. As the tourism and aviation sectors recover, APU prepares students for global careers through programmes in Tourism Management, Hospitality Innovation and Aviation Management. Socially conscious, tech-savvy graduates In a world shaped by misinformation and global shifts, APU's Media and Communication Studies and International Relations programmes produce critical thinkers for roles in media, diplomacy and non-profits. The Cyber Security Talent Zone (CSTZ) is one of the most advanced state-of-the-art facilities at APU. With a growing global focus on mental health, APU's Psychology programme combines human insight with tech via specialisations like Cyberpsychology. The intersection between digital tech and Psychology is driving the demand for Psychology practitioners with a keen understanding of how technology may be used as a key enabler for their work. To support national infrastructure, energy and automation needs, APU offers top-tier programmes in Electrical and Electronic, Mechatronic, Mechanical, Computer and Petroleum Engineering. As urban and smart city development accelerates, APU's Industrial Design and Architecture programmes train students to create sustainable, culturally aware spaces – again integrated with technology as a key enabler. APU's purpose-built campus with an ultra-modern design is strategically located at MRANTI Park Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Ready for the world Having the right knowledge and skills leads to better career opportunities, higher earnings and greater confidence. 'Future-proofing one's career is no longer optional — it is essential,' said Prof Murali. He added, 'Resilient knowledge and capabilities will remain vital and sought after in the years ahead.' According to the Higher Education Ministry's Graduate Tracer Study, APU graduates are 100% employable – a clear reflection of APU's commitment to developing globally competent professionals. At the same time, through its partnership with De Montfort University (DMU), UK, students receive dual awards — separate degree certificates and transcripts from both APU and DMU - enhancing their global employability. To learn more about APU and its programmes, visit This article is provided by Asia Pacific University (APU). The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Driving growth through digitalisation
SMALL and medium enterprises (SME) in Malaysia comprise approximately 97% of the economy, contributing nearly 40% to the nation's total GDP. As such, empowering SME with digital capabilities is not just a 'nice to have'; it is essential for economic sustainability and growth. Malaysian businesses today have an opportunity to adopt emerging technologies that can streamline their operations and enhance productivity. Initiatives such as MyDigital, the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the SME Digitalisation Grant as well as digital innovation initiatives for SME announced in Budget 2025 aim to make digital solutions accessible to small local businesses, the backbone of Malaysia's economy. These initiatives illustrate an attempt to bridge the gap between traditional local practices and global modern expectations, facilitating greater market access and operational efficiency for businesses. By strategically investing in digital infrastructure and promoting robust policy initiatives, the government continues to lay the groundwork needed for widespread innovation. Greater digitalisation opportunities Malaysia's economy has traditionally been anchored in three core sectors, with agriculture, manufacturing and services serving as three core pillars of economic prosperity. These industries, while navigating the complexities of digitalisation, possess opportunities for innovation and growth. They are strategically implementing digital solutions to overcome legacy systems and skills gaps for greater operational success. The agriculture sector, historically vital to Malaysia as a leading producer of palm oil, rubber and other commodities, is a keen example. Farmers and agricultural businesses are in a prime position to transform their operations. By exploring modern record-keeping and data management, they can move away from traditional silos and achieve significant growth in operational transparency. Digital tools such as cloud-based inventory systems, logistics tracking applications and remote sensing technologies for crop monitoring can provide significant opportunities to improve these practices. For example, the cooperative can automate inventory tracking, enhance transparency across its supply chain, and enable data-driven decision-making. However, it is important to note that beyond acquiring technology, successful integration relies on empowering people through cultural adaptation and aligning these technologies with daily operational processes. Malaysia has been making actionable progress through the widespread adoption of digital agriculture technologies to boost its agricultural efficiency and resilience against climate change. As a result, the economic benefits from adopting technologies like GPS, drones and sensors align with the sector's recent recovery, evidenced by its notable 7.2% growth in Q2 2024. The window of opportunity for meaningful change lies in the cultural and mindset adjustments needed to embrace advanced tools within an industry that has grown with generations. People and process Implementing digital upskilling programmes across Malaysian businesses is now more critical than ever. As of 2024, studies indicate that four out of 10 Malaysian businesses experience difficulties due to the calibre of digital skills among employees. This presents an opportunity for businesses to prioritise ongoing training and continuous learning, thereby future-proofing their operations and enhancing industry-wide competitiveness. SME especially stand to gain from digital training programmes tailored to their specific needs and capacities. Financial budgets also pose another significant barrier, especially for SME located away from major city hubs. This causes infrastructure costs, internet connectivity, hardware requirements and software subscriptions to be seen as prohibitively expensive. Some business owners may find these investments unsustainable burdens rather than opportunities for growth. Thankfully, the advancing technology landscape offers affordable, scalable digital solutions such as cloud computing services, mobile business management apps and flexible cybersecurity tools. Even no-code platforms now allow users with limited IT backgrounds to develop customised applications suited to their unique business requirements. This evolution in technology accessibility enables SME to digitalise operations with minimal initial investment. The success of digital transformation depends on effectively empowering the workforce. Businesses must partner with technology providers who offer comprehensive, ongoing training, dedicated customer support and scalable solutions that evolve alongside their needs. These elements will ensure smoother adoption, greater staff engagement and sustainable operational growth. For Malaysia, whether in agriculture, manufacturing or consumer services, the digital transformation journey must be gradual and carefully managed. Businesses must align digital initiatives closely with existing infrastructure and practical capabilities. Adopting tailored digital solutions combined with robust training and strategic support will enable businesses to confidently embark on their digital transformation journey. This will foster a culture of continuous innovation, stimulate economic growth in an interconnected global market and solidify Malaysia's position as a digital-first, highly competitive nation on the international stage. Tsubasa Nakazawa is the managing director of Kintone Southeast Asia, a leading cloud system for teams. Comments:letters@
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Future-proofing graduates for tomorrow's digital economy
THE digital economy is driving global transformation by reshaping industries, redefining work and creating opportunities for those with the right skills. Preparing for the future job market is essential, as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionise how we work and create. Malaysia is advancing into Phase Two of its Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), having surpassed its initial RM70bil digital investment target within a year. The country achieved US$16.9bil (RM74.8bil) in approved digital investments, driven by global tech giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google and Microsoft. Driving tech-forward education Digital technology education is now vital for navigating today's digital whirlwind and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) is leading the charge with industry-focused programmes to meet the demands of the digital era. 'As one of Malaysia's Premier Digital Tech Institutions, APU is closely aligned with national priorities, offering a curriculum that reflects the demands of today's tech ecosystem,' explained APU's academic development and strategy deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Murali Raman. In today's fast-evolving digital economy, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates need more than just a qualification — they need future-ready skills and resilient career paths. The university provides a solid foundation aligned with Malaysia's national goals, including MyDIGITAL and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy. Using SPM, 'O' Level or equivalent qualifications, students can progress to a wide range of internationally recognised degrees at APU in Malaysia via the APU Foundation Programme. Filling the digital skills gap APU's information technology (IT) programmes prepare students for high-demand sectors such as cyber security, AI, cloud engineering, IoT, data analytics and digital forensics. Underscoring this need, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the urgent demand for cyber security experts to safeguard the nation's digital infrastructure. Malaysia's digital content sector, which employs over 10,000 professionals across more than 300 studios, contributes significantly to the country's gross domestic product. APU is well-positioned to meet the growing demand in this field with its courses in Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Interactive Media, Game Development, Animation and Visual Effects, supported by initiatives from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Building global talent with integrated digital tech skills Globally, there is a rapidly growing demand for professionals across all subject domains who also possess strong digital technology skills. In this regard, APU's Accounting and Finance programmes — including Forensic Accounting, AccTech and Investment Analytics — integrate financial knowledge with digital proficiency. Its specialised programmes in Business Management, Business Analytics, E-Business, Digital Leadership and Digital Marketing nurture talent to drive technology and innovation in both small and medium-sized enterprises and global corporations. As the tourism and aviation sectors recover, students at APU are prepared for global careers through programmes in Tourism Management, Hospitality Innovation and Aviation Management. Socially conscious, tech-savvy graduates In a world shaped by misinformation and global shifts, APU's Media and Communication Studies and International Relations programmes produce critical thinkers for roles in media, diplomacy and non-profit sectors. The Cyber Security Talent Zone (CSTZ) is one of the most advanced state-of-the-art facilities at APU. With a growing global focus on mental health, APU's Psychology programme combines human insight with tech through specialisations like Cyberpsychology. The intersection of digital tech and psychology is driving the demand for practitioners with a keen understanding of how technology can serve as a key enabler for their work. To support national infrastructure, energy and automation needs, APU offers top-tier programmes in Electrical and Electronic, Mechatronic, Mechanical, Computer and Petroleum Engineering. As urban and smart city development accelerates, APU's Industrial Design and Architecture programmes train students to create sustainable, culturally aware spaces – again integrating technology as a key enabler. APU's purpose-built campus with an ultra-modern design is strategically located at MRANTI Park Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Ready for the world Having the right knowledge and skills leads to better career opportunities, higher earnings and greater confidence. 'Future-proofing one's career is no longer optional — it is essential,' said Prof Murali. He added, 'Resilient knowledge and capabilities will remain vital and sought after in the years ahead.' According to the Higher Education Ministry's Graduate Tracer Study and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Fresh Graduate Salary Survey 2024, APU graduates are 100% employable and are among the highest-paid fresh graduates in Malaysia – a clear reflection of APU's commitment to developing globally competent professionals. At the same time, through its partnership with De Montfort University (DMU), UK, students receive dual awards — separate degree certificates and transcripts from both APU and DMU – enhancing their global employability. To learn more about APU and its programmes, visit
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Technology must not replace the teacher
THE rise of educational technology, or edtech, has ushered in a new era in classrooms around the globe. From tablets and learning apps to artificial intelligence and virtual classrooms, technology rapidly transforms education. Edtech investments have steadily increased over the years. Last year, global edtech investments saw a big increase, rising to RM29 billion from about RM26 billion in 2023. As Malaysia navigates the Fourth Industrial Revolution, edtech is reshaping how we teach and learn. Under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) launched in 2021, the government aims to modernise the education sector by enhancing digital infrastructure and equipping teachers with digital skills. One goal is for all students to have access to digital devices and learning materials by the end of this year. During a MyDIGITAL update earlier this year, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative is focused on building a generation that is digitally literate and competitive. Edtech's advocates point to its ability to improve access to quality education, particularly in underserved regions. In Malaysia, digital platforms such as FrogAsia, DELIMa (Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia), Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams have become familiar tools, especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Globally, edtech has become an enabler of personalised learning. In Finland, often cited for its top-notch education system, technology is integrated into classrooms to support creativity and independent thinking. Finnish students use digital tools to track their learning journeys while teachers act as facilitators rather than lecturers. Germany has committed over €5 billion under the DigitalPakt Schule programme to support schools with digital infrastructure and teacher training. Singapore's National Digital Literacy Programme stands as a model of structured integration. Students are gradually introduced to technology, with an emphasis on cyber wellness, critical thinking and digital ethics. However, the promise of edtech is not without pitfalls. In Malaysia, the digital divide continues to affect students in rural and underserved areas. A headmistress admitted that during the pandemic, many students in Gua Musang were unable to participate in online learning due to poor connectivity and a lack of devices. And we know the story of Sabah lass Veveonah Mosibin, who camped in a tree to access the Internet for online exams. An over-reliance on technology may also lead to a decline in problem-solving skills among students. Additionally, dependence on technology can restrict students' potential to develop resilience and adaptability in the face of academic challenges and setbacks. There are also concerns about the effects of screen time on student health. Paediatricians report increased cases of digital eye strain and shorter attention spans among young learners. Critics have also raised the alarm about student data privacy and the commercialisation of learning. After a decade of serious digital integration in early education, the Swedish government found that elementary students had a poor understanding of reading. So, recently, Swedish Education Minister Lotta Edholm announced a return to printed textbooks in elementary schools. As edtech evolves, many experts stress the importance of a balanced approach — one that leverages technology without compromising values and pedagogy. Technology should enhance the classroom, not replace the teacher. Students still need face-to-face interaction, critical thinking and emotional development. Human educators play an irreplaceable role in these areas. The Education Ministry has recognised these concerns, rolling out digital initiatives in tandem with teacher professional development. These would prove effective if the digital urban-rural divide is immediately narrowed. The lesson from countries like Germany, Finland, Singapore and Sweden is clear: edtech should not be a trend but a thoughtful, intentional strategy that serves students and educators.
Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia facing severe brain drain with 1.86 million already gone, says digital minister
GEORGE TOWN, April 29 — Malaysia is facing a critical brain drain problem with 1.86 million Malaysians having left the country over the past 50 years, said digital minister Gobind Singh Deo. Gobind said the 1.86 million Malaysians represented 5.6 per cent of the population, which is higher than the global average of 3.6 per cent. 'As such, the Madani government has developed several strategies to not only strengthen the nation's talent ecosystem, but to retain them,' he said during his keynote address at the launch of 42 Penang Campus here today. He cited the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MDEB) — which covers the development of digital talent — as an example. 'Then we have the National Semiconductor Strategy which aims to train 60,000 high-skilled semiconductor engineers,' he said. He said the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is also projected to create 100,000 high quality job opportunities in key sectors, and attract skilled knowledge workers through a 15 per cent tax rate for 10 years. 'The ministry, through our agencies, and industry players have also joined forces in creating talents and stop the talent outflow,' he said. 'In addition to keeping our homegrown talents, we are also keen on attracting foreign talents through special visa passes,' he added. Gobind said the government is committed to creating real opportunities in the tech space so that Malaysians can take the lead in artificial intelligence (AI), and other digital innovations. Digital investments contributed significantly to Malaysia's GDP growth of 5.1 per cent in 2024, he said. He added that total approved investments under Malaysia Digital amounted to RM163.6 billion — a 250 per cent increase from 2023 — and created over 48,000 jobs, representing a 109 per cent rise compared to the previous year. He also said that institutions like 42 Malaysia can assist Malaysia in its quest to accelerate the country's digital progress. To note, 42 Penang is a peer-to-peer, project based and tuition-free model for students to master software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence through real-world projects, collaborative problem solving and mentorship from industry leaders. Meanwhile, in his speech, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state is intensifying efforts through initiatives like the Creative Digital District, Penang Silicon Design @5km+ and the Digital Economy Master Plan 2.0, which will drive investments in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI and smart manufacturing.
