Malaysia's early start strengthens tech talent pipeline: Khazanah MD

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is currently outpacing several regional nations in developing technology talent, but additional efforts are required to prepare university graduates and technicians for high-skilled positions, including those in artificial intelligence (AI) and the semiconductor industry, according to Khazanah Nasional Berhad's managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.

The early advantage stems from Malaysia's long-standing history of attracting US companies around 50 years ago, which helped cultivate a pool of professionals with vast industry experience and expertise, including those now working overseas. This Malaysian diaspora possesses expertise in areas such as semiconductor design, putting the nation in a strong position to tackle design work for the global market, he informed Bernama during a visit to the national news agency's headquarters on August 20.

When asked if Malaysia is advancing swiftly enough to produce AI-savvy talent and workers for high-skilled jobs, Amirul Feisal acknowledged that the country is making good progress but could accelerate the process. He explained that the goal of developing 60,000 engineers is challenging and demands concentrated efforts to prepare university graduates and technicians for the semiconductor sector as quickly as possible, stating that 60,000 engineers is a significant number.

Khazanah is assisting by launching programs aimed at targeting the semiconductor sector, whether it's university graduates or technicians, to swiftly integrate into the industry. Amirul Feisal emphasized that Khazanah is also collaborating with industry partners and their academies to expedite the creation of talent required for the sector.

Malaysia possesses a valuable pool of professionals who have acquired expertise while working for multinational companies locally and abroad. To encourage local professionals to engage in higher-value activities, strengthen domestic intellectual property development, and attract talent to Malaysia, Amirul Feisal stressed the need for a conducive environment that offers higher wages, greater complexity, and opportunities to remain connected to the global market.

He added that such an environment would foster greater business participation among capable Malaysian companies, resulting in more employment, broader benefits, and improved income.