ISKANDAR PUTERI: The private sector must play a key role in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the private sector's involvement in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) could also serve as a model for collaboration in AI education.
Anwar said partnerships between the government and major corporations, including banking institutions and conglomerates are crucial to ensure that AI programmes meet the nation's future needs.
"Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has strengthened TVET, but we cannot rely solely on outdated TVET syllabi.
"Private sector cooperation would further enhance its efficiency, especially in AI and technical training," he said in his keynote address at the Invest Malaysia - Iskandar Puteri 2024 conference held at Sunway Hotel Big Box, here today.
Anwar stressed the importance of collaboration between entities such as Khazanah Nasional, Bursa Malaysia, and major corporations to produce a skilled workforce equipped to handle AI technologies.
"I believe AI technical training will be more effective with private sector involvement compared to traditional education programmes," he said.
The conference, hosted by Bursa Malaysia and co-hosted by Maybank, CIMB Securities and HSBC Malaysia, focused on Iskandar Puteri as Malaysia's southern economic gateway.
Themed 'Where Policy Meets Progress', it saw the participation of 500 local and foreign delegates.
The conference highlighted key developments, particularly on the Johor - Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ), and offered insights into Malaysia's macroeconomic landscape, particularly Johor's market prospects.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Bursa Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, and Johor's Economic Investment adviser Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad.
Malaysia's first AI faculty was set up at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with an initial allocation of RM20 million.
Anwar said establishing UTM's AI Faculty in just four months was a key step towards talent development in line with growth and investment initiatives in Iskandar Puteri's economic and financial zones.
"I am impressed by UTM's ability to launch its AI Faculty in such a short time. During my visit to Abu Dhabi, I saw similar AI projects take one to two years to complete," he said.
Anwar also called for continued efforts to attract international investments through closer collaboration with Asean countries, citing the JSSEZ as an example of effective cross-border partnerships.
"We are witnessing strong collaboration between Johor and Singapore through the JSSEZ, with industry players working together to ensure its success," he said.
Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift said the Invest Malaysia-Iskandar conference covered a range of topics including data centre investments, Johor's property market, and the JSSEZ's potential impact on regional development.
The conference marked its fifth edition of the 2024 series, following conferences in Melbourne, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.