Malaysia ramps up AI talent development as digital infrastructure investments fuel ICT workforce demand

Malaysia's expanding investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and hyperscale data centres are accelerating demand for a highly skilled information and communications technology (ICT) workforce, Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan has said.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day BICSI Southeast Asia Conference and Exhibition Malaysia 2026 in Petaling Jaya, Khairul Firdaus said the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) is strengthening the country's workforce by equipping Malaysians with the digital and AI capabilities needed to support the nation's growing digital economy. A

"Our focus is clear to ensure that Malaysians are not only ready for the jobs of today, but also equipped for the high-value careers of tomorrow," he said.

He stressed that Malaysia's long-term competitiveness will depend on developing local talent with the knowledge, technical expertise and professional competencies required to capitalise on opportunities created by emerging technologies, echoing concerns recently raised by Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan.

"Technology can be imported. Buildings can be constructed. Equipment can be purchased. But highly skilled talent must be nurtured. This is where Kesuma plays an important role," he added.

The conference brought together ICT infrastructure professionals, engineers, consultants, technology providers, policymakers and business leaders from across Southeast Asia to discuss AI-ready infrastructure, advanced fibre connectivity, structured cabling, edge computing, cybersecurity, smart buildings and sustainable digital infrastructure.

Khairul Firdaus highlighted TalentCorp's Jelajah AI MyMahir (JAM) programme as one of the government's key initiatives to equip Malaysians with practical AI knowledge and industry-relevant digital skills, helping them remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven workplace. 

Without continuous upskilling, workers face a greater risk of displacement. A recent report found that high-skilled workers accounted for more than half of all retrenchments in Malaysia between 2021 and 2025, despite representing less than one-third of the country's workforce.

He emphasised that while digital infrastructure is essential for innovation, long-term success depends on the availability of skilled professionals.

"Behind every data centre, every intelligent building, every fibre network and every AI application is something more important, which is skilled people. Infrastructure enables innovation and talent sustains it," he said.

He added that the conference was not only about showcasing technology but also about developing the workforce that will design, build, secure, operate and continuously improve Malaysia's digital economy.