Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must accelerate efforts to equip its workforce with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said rapid technological advancements were reshaping industries and creating new opportunities, making it imperative for the country's education and training ecosystem to adapt.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that AI will shape not only how businesses operate but also how commerce is conducted, credit is assessed, risk is managed, and markets connect across borders. He made these remarks during his keynote address at the inauguration of Ant International's Global Development Centre.

Anwar highlighted that the government is in the process of finalizing the AI Governance Bill to establish a regulatory framework for the human-machine future. This will complement existing laws, including the Cybersecurity Act and data protection regulations. Digital trust, he noted, is the cornerstone of nation-building in the digital era, which has been prioritized under the 13th Malaysia Plan and the final phases of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for Malaysia to swiftly prepare its youth for emerging industries by strengthening talent development and introducing new disciplines in education and training. He stated that the government is intensifying efforts to ensure the country's education system keeps pace with rapid technological changes and the evolving demands of the global economy.

He mentioned that both the National Digital Council and National Education Council have recently focused on equipping Malaysians with the necessary skills for the future. Ensuring that children and young people receive the best possible training and are ready to explore new global opportunities is of paramount importance, he said.

Anwar stressed the necessity for Malaysia to adapt quickly to technological changes to remain competitive in the digital landscape. He also expressed gratitude to Ant International for its confidence in Malaysia and for supporting government efforts to nurture local talent and expand opportunities in the digital economy.