IBM Backs Malaysia’s Aspiration To Nurture New Generation Of Digital Professionals

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia recorded a demand for 42,835 digital jobs in the first quarter of 2024, highlighting the increasing importance of digital roles in industries such as banking and manufacturing.

This reflects Malaysia’s upward trajectory in preparing for digital talent, with a strong focus on fostering digital skills that are critical for future growth, according to IBM Malaysia.

The company added that this demand is driven by the nation’s accelerated digital adoption and its ambition to remain globally competitive.

The 2024 IBM CEO Study, which surveyed 3,000 chief executive officers across more than 30 countries and 26 industries, revealed that 64 per cent believe the success of generative AI will depend more on people’s adoption than the technology itself.

Additionally, the study found that 35 per cent of the workforce will require retraining and reskilling within the next three years.

Recognising the significance of this trend, IBM Malaysia managing director and technology leader, Dickson Woo, remarked: "By prioritising digital skills and AI proficiency, Malaysia is building the foundation for a resilient and competitive economy driven by innovation and technological advancement.

“The government has shown remarkable foresight in recognising the critical role of talent development in securing the country’s future growth and global standing,” he said in a statement today.

His comments follow the pledge by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to assist the Education Ministry in enhancing the Digital Education Policy to nurture a new generation of digitally skilled professionals.

"We are dedicated to empowering our young minds with the necessary digital skills," Gobind said recently. "By strengthening our education policies, we aim to nurture a new generation of professionals who are proficient in technology and ready to lead in the digital era."

Gobind said his ministry’s partnership with the Education Ministry is crucial, as together they could create an ecosystem that “not only teaches digital skills but also fosters innovation and creativity among students."

This national policy aims to integrate essential digital skills into the national curriculum, ensuring students are equipped for a future shaped by technology and innovation.

IBM’s Woo said that by empowering students with capabilities in AI, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, alongside nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills, the initiative will help ensure Malaysia’s future workforce can meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital world.

Highlighting that IBM Malaysia’s initiatives complement the government’s vision, he added that its education programme, known as IBM SkillsBuild, offers free, accessible training in various technology-related courses.

It equips individuals — from students to professionals — with the skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce.

IBM SkillsBuild has formed collaborations with institutions such as Politeknik Balik Pulau (PBU) and non-profit organisation SOLS Foundation to provide practical training and digital credentials, aligning with the government’s broader digital talent strategy, which benefits learners ranging from university students to adults and the TVET segments, from beginner to intermediate levels.

These efforts also aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse Malaysian workforce, as IBM has committed to training one million women and girls across the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia, as part of its global goal to skill 30 million people by 2030.

To date, 650,000 women and girls have benefitted from the programme.

The AI Roadmap under the MyDIGITAL Blueprint, which aims to produce 20,000 data professionals by 2025, is another key initiative supported by IBM Malaysia. 

The roadmap promotes collaboration between the public sector and private companies, especially tech giants like IBM, to build a robust ecosystem of AI expertise.

“By making AI education widely accessible, these efforts will help bridge the digital divide and empower even remote areas of Malaysia through technological advancements,” said Woo.

IBM has been at the forefront of AI talent development through its collaboration with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the AI Nexus 2024 programme, which brings together academia, industry and government to create a comprehensive ecosystem for AI research and development.

“Public-private partnerships, like those between IBM and Malaysian institutions, are critical to the success of these initiatives.

“As Malaysia continues to scale up its digital economy, these collaborations will ensure the workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of AI-driven industries and contribute to the nation’s sustained economic growth,” Woo added.

-- BERNAMA