Kuala Lumpur:Developing a highly skilled workforce remains crucial for Malaysia to leverage opportunities from digital transformation and the burgeoning high-tech industries, according to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang. He emphasized that Malaysia's future success is dependent on its workforce's ability to effectively utilize emerging technologies, despite attracting significant investments in the high-tech sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Chang Lih Kang highlighted Malaysia's prominent position in the regional digital transformation, with global companies selecting the country for investments in fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, smart factories, and renewable energy. He stressed that the true builders of nations are its people, not machines, during his address at the opening of Schneider Electric's Regional Training Center.
The minister pointed out that the rapid shift towards digitalization and advanced automation has increased the demand for technically skilled workers. He warned of the risk of leaving the workforce behind if engineers, technicians, and young TVET talents are not equipped with industry-relevant skills.
He praised initiatives like Schneider Electric's Regional Training Center for bridging the gap between academic education and industry needs, preparing Malaysians for roles in the expanding digital economy. Chang also noted that investments in human capital development reinforce the notion that Malaysia's greatest asset is its people, which is essential for translating national innovation policies into economic benefits.
Furthermore, Chang mentioned Malaysia's 34th place ranking out of 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index and the RM200 billion-plus in approved investments recorded in the first half of the year, including RM95 billion in data centers and cloud infrastructure. The newly opened 18,500-square-foot facility aims to train over 550 participants annually from 15 Asia-Pacific countries, using hands-on technical exercises.
The event celebrated Schneider Electric's 40th anniversary in Malaysia, underscoring the company's contributions to the nation's industrial growth and technological progress. Attendees included the French Ambassador to Malaysia, Marc Abensour, and other industry leaders.