Zambry: MOHE targets 30,000 AI graduates by 2030 to meet future workforce needs

The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in Malaysia aims to produce 30,000 graduates with skills in artificial intelligence (AI) between 2025 and 2030, according to Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. This target will be achieved through 30 specialized programs at various academic levels offered by 11 public universities. To ensure the relevance of academic programs to advancements in technology, 455 programs across different levels have been reviewed since September 30.

Specialized AI programs are being developed and accredited using the Programme Standards: Artificial Intelligence (PS:AI) established by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), ensuring systematic development and adherence to quality standards.

Zambry addressed concerns about automation potentially replacing jobs, emphasizing the need for AI-skilled graduates to cope with market changes. He highlighted the establishment of faculties dedicated to AI and cybersecurity, such as those at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), to strengthen the talent development ecosystem.

MOHE plans to integrate AI elements into 80% of bachelor's degree courses at public universities, and is implementing upskilling, work-based learning, and stackable programs to ensure continuous development of AI skills across all study levels.

Regarding the diminishing critical thinking skills of students due to over-reliance on AI, Zambry cautioned against a "ChatGPT mentality," warning that agentic AI—humanoid systems capable of thinking, problem-solving, and understanding emotions—poses risks. He stressed the importance of balancing AI as a learning aid rather than a substitute for human thinking, aiming to produce well-rounded individuals through measures that maintain a balance in university education.