Malaysia Must Evolve Beyond Adopting AI To Create Global Impact - Chang

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must evolve beyond just adopting AI. It must develop and harness the technology responsibly to create solutions that make a global impact, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.

He said this vision calls for a skilled, future-ready workforce and an innovation ecosystem rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared prosperity, especially as AI continues to reshape industries, economies and everyday life.

“This reflects the ministry’s vision of building a High-Tech Nation through Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy, supported by agile governance, enabling policies and a future-ready workforce,” he said while officiating the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) Experts Network in Technology, Innovation and Cooperative (ENTICE) 2026 event today.

Chang said the rapid rise of AI is fuelling strong global demand for high-performance computing and hyperscale data centres, and Malaysia, with its strategic location, robust digital connectivity, competitive business climate and growing tech talent, is well-positioned to seize the opportunity.

He noted that Malaysia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing data centre hubs, with more than RM140 billion in data centre and cloud-related investments approved between 2021 and 2025, according to Bank Negara Malaysia.

However, he stressed that data centre growth must be sustainable, with careful attention to energy and water use, environmental management and the well-being of surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, MBOT president Prof Datuk Ts Ir Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib said the board remains committed to strengthening the technology profession through professional recognition, competency development, and lifelong learning, especially as AI continues to reshape industries and the future of work.

He revealed that MBOT has over 119,000 technologists and technicians registered nationwide, comprising 28,950 Professional Technologists, 4,249 Certified Technicians, 69,732 Graduate Technologists and 16,077 Qualified Technicians.

The board's accreditation ecosystem has also grown to include more than 758 accredited academic programmes across over 200 institutions of higher learning nationwide.

“This achievement reflects strong collaboration between MBOT, academia and industry in ensuring that our graduates are equipped with relevant competencies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape,” he said.

MBOT ENTICE 2026, themed “Breakthrough with Purpose in the Age of AI”, brings together technology professionals, industry leaders, academia and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and accelerate innovation in the AI era.

Also present was Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry deputy secretary-general (Planning and Science Acculturation) Datin Safida Zalma Mohd Piah.

-- BERNAMA