Following Microsoft’s significant investment in Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is urging the enhancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) training to ensure the country remains competitive in these fields.
During a speech at the closing ceremony of the Northern Zone Madani Rakyat 2024 program, Anwar highlighted the importance of training young people in AI to prevent Malaysia from falling behind. He emphasized the need to prioritize TVET fields and enhance training programs to meet the demands of investors, such as Microsoft’s recent RM10.5 billion investment.
Anwar stressed the necessity of training tens of thousands of workers to support such investments and strengthen the country’s workforce. He also pointed out the current shortage of 30,000 engineers in Malaysia, underscoring the urgency of enhancing training programs in technical and vocational fields.
In light of Microsoft’s massive investment and the potential for future growth in the AI industry, Anwar called on implementing agencies and ministries to focus on providing adequate training opportunities for young people, including those from religious schools. By enhancing TVET programs and ensuring broader access to training initiatives, Malaysia aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of supporting the evolving needs of investors and driving economic growth.
With a renewed emphasis on AI and TVET training, Malaysia seeks to position itself as a competitive player in the global market, attracting further investments and fostering innovation in key sectors. Anwar’s call for a comprehensive approach to skills development reflects the government’s commitment to building a talented workforce equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
