Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia must build domestic economic resilience by enhancing knowledge and expertise among youths to better face global challenges, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He emphasized that this approach is crucial to enable the nation to rely on its capabilities, ensuring greater stability and security amid global economic uncertainties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stressed the importance of strengthening domestic economic resilience by leveraging foreign technologies while seeking new methods that depend on the younger generation. He highlighted the necessity of having clear policies that emphasize local abilities to revitalize businesses, management, and expertise. Anwar made these remarks at the launch of the employment opportunities and presentation of PLKI-ECRL’s offer letters ceremony for the ECRL operation and maintenance phase.

Anwar urged young Malaysians who have the opportunity to study and train abroad to remain disciplined and apply the knowledge and skills they acquire to improve the next generation. He pointed out Malaysia’s growing prominence in the global semiconductor industry, crediting local expertise as a key factor attracting foreign investment. Anwar shared that Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies, has shown interest in establishing advanced packaging and design operations in Penang and Cyberjaya.

Highlighting Malaysia’s position in the semiconductor space, Anwar noted that while much of the nation’s capability is currently focused on back-end manufacturing, the interest from companies like AMD means young talents will be trained in fields such as semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence. This development places Malaysia at the forefront of the industry.

The prime minister also suggested applying a similar approach in the energy industry, particularly solar energy, following the United States’ recent imposition of tariffs on China. He urged action to use locally produced solar panels on buildings, whether government or private, schools, or hospitals, to capitalize on the situation.

At the event, Anwar presented offer letters to several trainees who will undergo a one-year intensive training program in Liuzhou, China, under the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Industrial Skills Training Programme. The first group, consisting of 102 individuals, is scheduled to depart for China in stages from May 15.