Govt developing National Digital Talent Framework, Dewan Rakyat told

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is creating a National Digital Talent Framework to bolster the nation's supply of digitally skilled professionals and adapt to the changing demands of various industries. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced that the framework would function as a strategic roadmap for coordinating digital talent development, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies transform the job market.

The framework centers on four primary tactics: attracting, nurturing, retaining, and deploying digital talent. During a speech to the Dewan Rakyat, Gobind clarified the strategies and their objectives in response to Tan Hong Pin's inquiry about enhancing digital literacy and AI competencies among the populace, as well as Malaysia's plans to cultivate a highly skilled digital workforce.

The "attracting" and "nurturing" strategies aim to bolster digital curricula and industry-based training, acknowledge micro-credentials, and broaden digital learning platforms. These actions encompass Place and Train programs and deliberate measures to cultivate high-potential talent. Simultaneously, the "retaining" and "deploying" tactics would concentrate on setting up career trajectories for high-demand digital roles and harmonizing talent supply with industry requirements.

The ministry, via AI Malaysia, is also working with TalentCorp and the Human Resources Ministry under the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry (MyMahir-NAICI) initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance workforce preparedness for the AI era by pinpointing skills gaps and evaluating organizational readiness to incorporate AI technologies.

An AI readiness assessment tool has been introduced to facilitate more focused upskilling and reskilling measures. Gobind affirmed that the strategy would enhance cooperation between the government and industry to ensure talent development remains aligned with labor market requirements and national AI objectives. He also highlighted initiatives to enhance digital leadership in both the public and private sectors, such as the Executive Digital Leadership Programme (EDLP), which has conducted 13 cohorts involving 594 participants—490 from the public sector and 104 from the private sector.

Furthermore, 40 ministry secretaries-general and heads of public services attended the leadership program, which emphasized the ethical use of AI to enhance public service delivery. Additionally, 448,000 civil servants have gained access to Gemini Workspace to boost efficiency and productivity in the public sector. Gobind expressed the ministry's dedication to ensuring Malaysia's digital transformation is underpinned by a skilled workforce capable of coping with the requirements of emerging technologies.