{
  "id": 439646,
  "title": "Malaysia must build talent fast to keep pace with AI, says Akmal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/malaysia-must-build-talent-fast-to-keep-pace-with-ai-says-akmal",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-10T05:29:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2026/08/1508052/malaysia-must-build-talent-fast-keep-pace-ai-says-akmal"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "GEORGE TOWN – Malaysia's rapid embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, underscoring the urgency for early talent development to sustain economic growth, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. The minister explained that AI and emerging technologies are fundamentally altering business operations, demanding the equipping of Malaysian youth with adaptable skills to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Acknowledging the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, Akmal emphasized that 170 million new jobs will be created globally by 2030, while 92 million positions may be displaced due to labor market structural shifts. Notably, 86% of employers anticipate AI and information-processing technologies to revolutionize their business practices. To sustain Malaysia's transition towards high-growth, high-value sectors, particularly semiconductors, the minister advocated for bolstering the nation's talent pool. Penang, renowned for its robust electrical, electronics, semiconductor, and high-tech manufacturing ecosystem, is poised to serve as a model for integrating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) talent development. Penang's economic growth outpaced the national average in 2025, with a 7.3% increase versus 5.2%, and its manufacturing sector expanded by 10%, driven by electronics and optical industries. The state's GDP reached RM130.3 billion, accounting for 48.9% of Malaysia's exports as of June. While Penang's industrial ecosystem has generated high-value jobs, the challenge lies in preparing local talent to capitalize on these opportunities. Akmal stressed that Malaysia must cultivate 60,000 skilled engineers to advance along the semiconductor value chain, extending beyond manufacturing to develop creators of higher-value products and technologies. He underscored the necessity of nurturing STEM talent from primary through higher education, technical and vocational training, and industry partnerships. The Economy Ministry has committed RM12.3 million over four years to support Penang's STEM blueprint, aiming to engage 100,000 students by 2030. The program seeks to forge connections among schools, industry, and students, with the potential replication of its model in other regions. Akmal emphasized the need for industry to expose students directly to emerging technologies by inviting them to workplaces and inviting engineers to schools, urging them to shape Malaysia's technological future and lead in innovation.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping jobs and industries, making early talent development critical to Malaysia's economic ambitions, said Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}