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Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
16 high-impact Mitra initiatives for Indians approved, says PMO
On Monday, Klang MP V Ganabatirau said the absence of Indians from an anti-government rally last Saturday should not be mistaken for their satisfaction with Putrajaya. PETALING JAYA : A total of 16 high-impact programmes under the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) have been approved for the Indian community as of this July, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) today. In a statement, the PMO said these programmes focus on three key areas of community development; education and training; spirituality and culture; and social well-being. 'The initiatives reflect the government's ongoing commitment to elevate the role of the Indian community as a partner in national development through an inclusive, progressive, and impact-driven approach,' it said. 'The government remains steadfast in its principle that every segment of the population, including the Indian community, deserves to enjoy the opportunities and progress of the nation in line with the spirit of Malaysia Madani.' However, the PMO noted that coordination is necessary to avoid duplication of roles and resource use as certain programmes related to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) could not be approved since they fell within the purview of the National TVET Council. Several other programmes could not be approved due to overlaps with existing initiatives under various ministries, including the youth and sports, health, as well as entrepreneur development and cooperatives ministries. The PMO said the government will continue to refine the implementation of additional strategic initiatives in the near future to ensure that the Indian community continues to benefit from 'fair, equitable, and sustainable development'. The statement comes as Klang MP V Ganabatirau said on Monday that Indians' absence from an anti-government rally in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday should not be mistaken for their satisfaction with Putrajaya. In a Facebook post, Ganabatirau said many Indians today are 'politically fatigued' after being worn down by years of promises, marginalisation, and systemic neglect. He also said there had been a 'lack of a favourable response' by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to attempts by Malaysian Indian MPs to raise issues affecting the Indian community.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid: Fast-track programme to turn skilled workers into engineers, says Zahid
SHAH ALAM: The government will roll out an upskilling initiative to fast-track skilled workers into engineering programmes, in an effort to address the nationwide shortage of engineers. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the initiative would enable skilled workers to become engineers in various fields by adding just one or two years to their existing studies. "Currently, Malaysia produces only 6,000 engineers annually. In the short to medium term, we are focusing on upskilling skilled workers to address the shortage of 60,000 engineers. "Those who have completed the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 5 — equivalent to a diploma — will be upskilled and placed in six universities under the Malaysian Technical University Network," said Zahid, who also chairs the National TVET Council. He was speaking at a press conference after launching the TVET programme at Management and Science University in Shah Alam today. When asked about the timeline to resolve the shortage, Zahid said it could take up to 10 years at the current rate. However, he added that the government aimed at accelerating the process with support from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Department of Skills Development (JKM), through a synchronisation initiative to unify accreditation frameworks. "With this approach, SKM Level 5 graduates may be able to complete their studies within three to four semesters, depending on the training they previously received from their TVET institutions. "This fast-track approach does not compromise quality, as credit transfers are officially recognised by MQA and JKM. This enables us to significantly increase the number of professional engineers in the country," he said. On July 17, Zahid had urged Malaysian professionals working abroad — especially engineers — to return home and contribute to national development. He said that low salaries in Malaysia had driven many to seek better opportunities overseas.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Gov't fully funds TVET grads for MSU entrepreneurship studies
SHAH ALAM: Graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will be offered the opportunity to pursue studies in entrepreneurship at Management and Science University (MSU), fully funded by the government, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the implementation of this latest initiative would be coordinated by the National TVET Council, while the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) would provide the funding for the students. He noted that the initiative aligns with the government's commitment to produce TVET entrepreneurs and caters to the aspirations of skills-based graduates, not all of whom are interested in entering the workforce upon completing their studies. 'To that end, MSU will develop a special module for graduates from TVET institutions nationwide who wish to pursue studies in entrepreneurship, for example, at the Executive Diploma level. 'This initiative will be coordinated with the National TVET Council and KUSKOP, with further details to be announced within the next two weeks,' he said at a press conference here today. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Chairman of the National TVET Council, had launched TVET MSU at the university. Also present was MSU President and Founder Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid. - Bernama -- More to follow
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah to host National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day this weekend
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2025 (HPPNK 2025) will mark its 50th anniversary at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu from Friday to Aug 3. According to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the programme themed "Our Strength Secures the Nation (Kudrat Kami Menjamin Pertiwi)", will feature five main attractions: technology exhibitions, TVET training opportunities, business-matching opportunities, entertainment, and sales of produce with discounts of between 10 and 30 per cent. Mohamad said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was scheduled to officiate the event at 9am on Aug 3. The ministry expects up to half a million visitors. Mohamad said this before appearing on TV3's Malaysia Hari Ini at Studio 1, Balai Berita Bangsar today. Mohamad encouraged public participation, particularly among Sabahans, adding that the event showcased how agriculture could support families, communities, and even grow into industrial-scale ventures. This year's edition will highlight youth-led agricultural success stories. Among them is a group in Tawau cultivating premium-grade avocados. Sabah, he said, could emerge as a regional and even global centre for avocado production. The ministry is also promoting high-potential crops like pineapples, durians, and onions. The latter has gained traction in Sabah, with efforts aiming to meet domestic demand. These exhibitions served to inspire more involvement in local farming across Malaysia, he said. While visitors can also expect a festive atmosphere with shopping, family activities, and live entertainment, the greater goal is to motivate those in agriculture, aquaculture, and agrotourism.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Talent shortage, data gap could stall AI drive
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia drafts its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan for 2026–2030, experts have raised concerns over critical gaps in talent and legal safeguards that could derail the country's AI ambitions. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Assoc Prof Dr Zool Hilmi Ismail said the nation currently faces a shortage of about 10,000 workers with AI skills – a gap he warned could hinder progress before the plan even takes off. 'The AI talent pool is growing, but it's still far from enough. Many graduates still lack skills in areas such as AI operations, chip design, advanced computing and AI ethics.' Zool stressed the need for more hands-on training, targeted scholarships and robust public-private partnerships to close the skills gap. 'We need a workforce that's not just tech-savvy, but also understands the ethical risks that come with AI.' Beyond talent shortage, Zool also pointed to technical barriers such as outdated data-sharing infrastructure, over-reliance on imported hardware and inadequate investment in cybersecurity. 'Our data is fragmented across government agencies and private companies, making it hard to integrate or use effectively,' he said, urging the government to invest in shared national databases and privacy-preserving technologies to enable responsible AI training. Even as Penang and Johor grow into regional data and chip hubs, we're still too dependent on imported semi-conductors and foreign cloud services. That poses strategic risks.' Zool emphasised that AI systems funded by the government must be safe, transparent and aligned with public values. He called for ethical standards and regular audits to ensure that AI remains fair, reliable and privacy-conscious. He said universities are already training lecturers under the national TVET programme to equip them with real-world AI skills, adding that universities must work with the industry to support AI startups and offer recognised certifications. 'But for any of this to succeed, government, academia, business and the public must move as one.' He also cautioned that irresponsible AI deployment can result in real-world harm, from biased hiring systems and faulty medical diagnoses to scams and data breaches. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Mahyuddin Daud highlighted the legal and ethical underpinnings needed for a credible AI framework. 'The action plan must be grounded in fairness, transparency and accountability. There must be clear laws to address harm or negligence involving AI, especially when fundamental rights are at stake.' Mahyuddin also urged the government to legislate against deepfakes, fake content and online manipulation, adding that tech platforms should be held responsible for detecting and removing such content with penalties for misuse. Without proper safeguards, he warned, AI could compromise privacy and erode public trust. He proposed the creation of a multi-stakeholder council comprising regulators, tech experts, academics and civil society representatives to guide AI policymaking and uphold ethical standards. Mahyuddin also called for a dedicated AI law and the establishment of an independent oversight body with the authority to investigate, regulate and ensure redress for those harmed by AI-driven decisions. Both experts agreed that while the AI roadmap must be ambitious, it must also be rooted in strong governance and accountability. The National Artificial Intelligence Office, under the Digital Ministry, began soliciting public feedback on the action plan on July 1. Malaysians are encouraged to share their views, concerns and hopes on how AI should be developed.
