IBM Join Forces with Gobind Singh to Shape the Future of Malaysia’s Digital Workforce

By The Malketeer 

Here’s How Malaysia is Birthing A New Generation of Tech-Savvy Leaders!

As Malaysia recorded a staggering 42,835 digital job openings in just the first quarter of 2024, the demand for digitally skilled professionals has never been clearer.

From banking to manufacturing, digital transformation is reshaping industries.

IBM Malaysia sees this as a powerful indicator of the nation’s accelerating digital adoption, which is critical to maintaining its global competitiveness.

The Generative AI Revolution: More Than Just Technology

The 2024 IBM CEO Study, which surveyed 3,000 CEOs globally, reveals that 64% believe the success of AI depends not only on technology but on how quickly people adopt it.

With 35% of the workforce requiring retraining in the next three years, IBM Malaysia Managing Director Dickson Woo reiterates on the importance of equipping Malaysia’s workforce with cutting-edge skills in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

“Malaysia is laying the groundwork for an economy fuelled by innovation,” Woo asserts.

Gobind Singh’s Vision for a Digitally Skilled Generation

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has pledged to overhaul the national Digital Education Policy, ensuring that students are not just proficient but primed to lead in a technology-driven future.

With the Ministry of Education onboard, Malaysia is poised to integrate essential digital skills into its curriculum, inspiring creativity and innovation among young Malaysians.

“By enhancing education policies, we’re not just teaching digital skills—we’re shaping tomorrow’s innovators,” says Gobind.

Building Bridges to Tech Excellence

IBM’s global initiative, SkillsBuild, plays a key role in aligning with Malaysia’s digital aspirations.

Through collaborations with institutions like Politeknik Balik Pulau and the SOLS Foundation, SkillsBuild provides free, accessible tech courses, from beginner to intermediate levels.

This initiative has been a game changer, benefiting university students, TVET learners, and professionals alike.

Empowering Women in Tech: The AI Revolution

In a bold move towards inclusivity, IBM has committed to training one million women and girls across the Asia-Pacific region by 2030.

So far, 650,000 have benefited, opening doors to new opportunities in AI, data science, and more.

The AI Roadmap, under the MyDIGITAL Blueprint, aims to produce 20,000 data professionals by 2025, ensuring that Malaysia keeps pace with global AI trends.

“We are breaking barriers and bridging the digital divide, even in remote areas of Malaysia,” Woo states.

Future-Ready Through Partnerships

Through its collaborations with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and AI Nexus 2024, IBM is actively nurturing a robust AI ecosystem.

Woo stresses that public-private partnerships are essential for scaling up Malaysia’s digital economy and keeping its workforce competitive in the face of an AI-driven future.