PGIA To Launch AI Academy In April To Drive Digital Workforce Transformation - Chow

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- The Penang Global Business Services (GBS) Industry Academy (PGIA) is set to launch the highly anticipated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy this April.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the initiative is designed to equip Penang's workforce with cutting-edge AI and Generative AI (Gen AI) skills, further positioning the state as an attractive destination for investors.

"This year, PGIA will launch an AI academy in April, aiming to enhance the capabilities of Penang's workforce by providing advanced AI and Gen AI courses that align with the digital economy's demands.

"This initiative will indirectly position Penang as an attractive destination for investors by ensuring the workforce possesses the necessary digital skills for an AI-driven economy," he said at the launch of the Gen AI Skilling for Industry 4.0 Adoption in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) workshop, organised by Dell Technologies at Dell APCC2 in Bukit Minyak, here today.

PGIA was established in 2022 as a collaborative effort led by InvestPenang, together with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Penang GBS Focus Group and the Penang Skills Development Centre.

Chow emphasised that AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0), noting that the technology presents a transformative opportunity to enhance efficiency, optimise operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape for businesses, especially the SMEs.

He also commended Dell for its proactive approach in supporting AI adoption among local SMEs, adding that the SMEs, whether in Penang or Malaysia, can stand on the shoulders of giants with the help of multinational companies such as Dell.

"Today's inaugural workshop by Dell serves as a positive first step towards an educational platform that can help our attending SMEs to form a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of AI adoption and a technical foundation towards that mission.

"With the support of the ecosystem partners, we are able to synergise our respective strengths in accelerating the adoption of AI within our SMEs, granting a significant advantage for our supply chain in IR4.0," he added.

Chow later launched an e-harvesting campaign, a collaboration between Dell Technologies, Shan Poornam Metals Sdn Bhd, Penang Green Council, Department of Environment and local councils, Seberang Perai City Council, and Penang Island City Council. 

From February to August 2025, the six-month initiative is expected to reduce 100 metric tons of e-waste.

-- BERNAMA