NAIO CAN PLAY CRITICAL ROLE IN ACCELERATING AI-RELATED TRAINING IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) – The newly established National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) is poised to significantly accelerate AI-related training and keep Malaysia competitive in the rapidly evolving global economy, said Perthpal Singh, founder of human development company Learning Edge. 

The NAIO, envisioned to transform Malaysia from an AI consumer to an AI producer, can play a key role in identifying and addressing the country's shortcomings in the training industry, thereby expediting progress.

Perthpal noted that the current overemphasis on soft skills training leaves critical areas, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics, severely underdeveloped.

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“Malaysia has tremendous potential and NAIO's announcement is timely. Our training industry must shift its focus from traditional skills to future-ready capabilities,” he told Bernama at the NAIO launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently. 

The NAIO comes at the right time as Malaysia must elevate technical education systems and align them with industry demands in areas such as renewable energy, robotics, and biotech.

Citing the 2023 PwC Malaysia report, Perthpal highlighted that only 30 per cent of local companies have robust AI training programmes versus 65 per cent in Singapore.

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Similarly, only 38 per cent of Malaysian employees feel confident handling future technologies against over 60 per cent in Vietnam and Indonesia.

According to reports, about 500,000 new roles are expected in digital technologies such as AI, cybersecurity and data analytics by 2030 in Malaysia.

The NAIO, designed as a centralised AI agency, will be headed by Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, who has extensive experience at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, PLUS Malaysia, and TERAS Teknologi.

The NAIO will be responsible for developing policies, overseeing regulatory frameworks, and driving strategic planning.

Anwar stressed that building a strong digital ecosystem via the establishment of NAIO is a must to elevate Malaysia to high-income status.

"Some 20, 30 years ago when I helmed the Finance Ministry, these things were only considered an initiative, a beginning, but it has now become a must that is called empowerment.

“That is why l once again emphasise why we (Malaysia) are among the first few countries in the world to have a Digital Ministry because this will determine the success of our country," he said.

Anwar also described the establishment of NAIO as a historic moment and a testament to the country's determination and commitment to implementing digital transformation, thus driving Malaysia to the level of an innovative country.

Anwar said the effort should start with increasing digital literacy among all segments of society, starting from basic education, universities and public service.

He also expressed hope that 50,000 students can be trained in the field of AI, programming and data analysis via the MyMahir platform by end-2025.

Anwar said training the capabilities of local children is important in shaping the country's Al values and ethics based on the true Malaysian identity.

"That is why we must train local children to provide input (in the programming and data analysis) so that whatever is generated by Al will also include our input, not just based on input from the west or the east or any other systems, but something specific from us," he said.

Modernise the image of TVET

Perthpal also advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

“While the RM6.8 billion allocation for TVET in Budget 2024 was a good start, significant reforms are needed to align curricula with industry demands in fields such as AI, robotics, and green technology,” he said.

He stressed the importance of increased industry engagement to provide students with practical, real-world experience, a currently lacking area.

“I recommend a work-based approach, where 60 per cent of the syllabus focuses on industry experience,” he added.

Perthpal also highlighted the need to change the perception of TVET as a second-tier education option, which discourages enrolment and fails to attract top talent.

“We need to modernise the image of TVET and showcase its value as a viable and prestigious career path. This requires a national effort to provide adequate funding, modern training equipment, and qualified trainers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market,” he said.

-- BERNAMA