Kuala Lumpur:A dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) technology scheme should be implemented to train and upskill Malaysia's workforce, enhancing their ability to understand, apply, and utilize AI across various professions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Gajendra Balasingham, founder and managing director of GKK Consultants Sdn Bhd, emphasized the need for a uniform AI digital transformation across all business sectors. He suggested that introducing a separate, universal incentive scheme could accelerate Malaysia's manpower capabilities and allow the country to compete globally.

This proposed AI technology scheme is particularly relevant for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia, which account for nearly 97 percent of all registered businesses nationwide. In 2025, MSMEs contributed approximately RM653 billion to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is about 40 percent of the total GDP.

Currently, MSMEs employ about 8.10 million people, representing nearly 49 percent of the total employment in Malaysia. They also comprise around 85 percent of the services and manufacturing sectors and nearly 9 percent in agriculture, with 6 percent in construction, mining, and quarrying. Dr. Gajendra highlighted the importance of offering the AI scheme to Malaysian MSMEs due to their significant contribution to the national economy's growth rate of 5.1 percent.

Dr. Gajendra also credited the MADANI Government for its initiatives and incentives, particularly in supporting the AI sector in Malaysia.