Kuala Lumpur: The government’s digital agenda is a strategic initiative aimed at positioning Malaysia as a regional digital hub, in line with the country’s transition toward a technology-based economy. Associate professor Dr. Abdul Hadi Abd Rahman, deputy dean (Research and Innovation) at the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), stated that the implementation of the digital agenda has been well received by various stakeholders, including major industry players, thereby boosting demand for local talent and accelerating the development of technological skills.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the success of the digital agenda depends greatly on the level of awareness and acceptance of technology among civil servants, especially concerning the adoption and adaptation of digital systems in the government sector. Dr. Abdul Hadi noted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are expected to benefit from the development of technology-based solutions tailored to local needs and challenges. This approach is set to strengthen the domestic innovation ecosystem and increase the competitiveness of the country’s digital economy.
During a special Dewan Rakyat sitting to address the United States tariff issue, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing cutting-edge technology adoption to enhance national competitiveness and facilitate business transactions. Commenting on this commitment, Dr. Abdul Hadi highlighted the establishment of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the post-quantum technology centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as key efforts to build the nation’s technological foundation.
UKM has also supported the national digitalisation initiative through the Nadi Utama Sintesis Aksara (NUSA) initiative, which empowers the Malay language as a language of knowledge through artificial intelligence technology. This initiative aligns with the country’s digital agenda, grounded in culture and national identity.
Prof Dr. Wan Zuhainis Saad, chairman of the Majlis Kerjasama Ketua-ketua Pusat Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran IPTA, emphasized that developing digital and technological skills should be an ongoing effort in line with rapid advancements in AI, Big Data, and the Internet of Things. Flexible education provides opportunities for students, including those in rural areas, to access high-quality courses in technology and AI.
She added that personalized modules, short courses, ‘unbundling’, and ‘micro-credentials’ allow individuals, including those in the workforce, to enhance their skills without committing to lengthy formal programs. This approach is crucial in reducing the skills gap between generations and supporting the development of a workforce ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Wan Zuhainis also stressed the need for extensive exploration of digital technology in the green energy and sustainability sectors, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. She proposed continued investment in STEAM education to prepare the future workforce with holistic and relevant digital skills.