Latest news with #SUFEASALEHUDDIN
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.
Malaysian Reserve
14-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
CEMI opens for applications to boost concerts, international events
by SUFEA SALEHUDDIN APPLICATIONS for the Concerts and Events in Malaysia Incentive (CEMI) will open from May 15 to July 10, 2025, as part of the government's efforts to elevate Malaysia's profile as a leading venue for premier international events. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative is intended to accelerate the growth of the local concert and event industry while supporting tourism and job creation. 'This incentive is expected to create employment opportunities, boost tourist arrivals and contribute significantly to the national economy,' he said at a media briefing today. CEMI will provide financial support to event organisers that meet specific eligibility criteria, including event scale, projected economic and tourism impact, incorporation of local content and compliance with programme guidelines. The programme is part of the government's broader effort to attract world-class events to Malaysia and develop the creative industry as a key economic driver. CEMI was first announced in 2023 as part of the Madani government's cultural economy framework. It was introduced in response to growing demand for international acts and major events in Malaysia, and to position the country as a regional hub for live entertainment, business conferences and creative showcases. The incentive is also intended to address challenges faced by local organisers in securing funding, infrastructure support and logistical coordination for large-scale productions.
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
More SMEs needed to strengthen Malaysia's sustainability push
By SUFEA SALEHUDDIN SMALL and medium enterprises (SMEs) must play a greater role in driving Malaysia's sustainability efforts, particularly as global regulations tighten and demand for low-carbon products increases. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said SMEs are essential to the nation's green transition, but face structural limitations that require targeted support. 'Many SMEs are still struggling to adapt to climate-related regulations. They do not have chief sustainability officers or dedicated compliance teams like public-listed companies,' he said at the launch of The Green Factory's flagship retail store at The Campus Ampang on Tuesday. Nik Nazmi said the government is aware of these challenges and is working on multi-level initiatives to assist the sector. He also urged large corporations, including government-linked companies (GLCs) and multinational corporations (MNCs), to take an active role in building capacity across their supply chains. 'We hope bigger companies that rely on SME suppliers will help them switch to more sustainable practices by offering guidance, training, and knowledge transfer,' he added. He also said Malaysia's furniture sector, though facing a reduced local timber base, remains a strong contributor to exports and holds significant potential for green transformation. 'There is significant global demand for sustainable wood-based products, particularly from Europe. If we can position our SMEs to meet those standards, the economic benefits will follow,' he said. Nik Nazmi cited The Green Factory as an example of SME-led innovation in the circular economy. Originally a school furniture supplier, the company has grown into a sustainability-focused enterprise by upcycling timber waste into premium products, gaining international recognition in the process. 'This is a business that grew from a small workshop into a fully-fledged sustainability enterprise. It shows how local innovation, led by young people, can drive meaningful environmental change,' Nik Nazmi said. He also pointed to emerging international frameworks such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), warning that Malaysian SMEs could face trade barriers if they are not adequately prepared. 'These policies are coming fast, and if we do not prepare our SMEs now, they will be disadvantaged. That is why we are calling for a whole-of-government and whole-of-supply-chain response,' he said. Nik Nazmi added that public-facing initiatives such as 'Sustainaboleh!'—a sustainability programme held in conjunction with the launch—play a critical role in reshaping both public behaviour and industry practices. 'It is not just about policy— it is about making sustainability tangible and relatable to everyday Malaysians,' he said.
