Budget 2027 Should Drive AI, Digitalisation In Public Service - Alumni PTD

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Budget 2027 should accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology in public service delivery while positioning Malaysia’s ageing population as an economic asset, said the Administrative and Diplomatic Officers’ Alumni Association (Alumni PTD).

Its president Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali who was also the former Chief Secretary to the Government said modernising public administration and developing a professional care economy were among the key areas requiring greater policy focus as Malaysia approaches 2030 and accelerates implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“Alumni PTD strongly believes that the path towards a resilient, high-income and compassionate Malaysia requires bold vision, administrative discipline, and inclusive social planning.

“The dual imperatives of modernising public service delivery, professionalising the care industry for our youth and transforming our ageing population into a productive national asset are not merely policy options, they are existential necessities for our nation’s sustainable future,” he said in a statement today.

On public service reform, Alumni PTD called for dedicated funding to accelerate end-to-end digitalisation across ministries and agencies, including replacing legacy systems with integrated and secure digital platforms that allow seamless data sharing.

Abdul Halim said AI should be systematically deployed in regulatory, licensing, enforcement and service delivery functions to improve decision-making, speed up administrative processes, reduce corrupt practices and strengthen public service responsiveness.

The association also called for mandatory professional development programmes in digital literacy, data analytics, cybersecurity, and the responsible and ethical use of AI to ensure the public sector talent remains equipped to harness emerging technologies effectively and sustainably.

On public procurement, he proposed strengthening open and competitive tender processes, enhancing public accountability, as well as anti-corruption safeguards throughout the procurement cycle.

He said procurement decisions should also move beyond the lowest-cost approach by considering sustainability, energy efficiency and long-term maintenance costs to minimise project delays, abandoned projects and substandard delivery.

The Alumni PTD president said Malaysia’s ageing population should meanwhile be treated as a potential driver of economic growth, with more than 15 per cent of the population expected to be aged 60 and above by 2036.

He proposed developing a professional elderly care ecosystem covering aged care, home care, rehabilitation, assisted living and senior wellness, supported by recognised certification, structured career progression and better remuneration to attract Malaysians into the sector.

The Alumni PTD president also called for wage-matching incentives, training grants and apprenticeship for young Malaysians entering the care sector, as well as tax incentives and matching grants to encourage investment in modern, technology-enabled eldercare facilities.

He added that the association also proposed establishing a National Establishment Senior Talent Centre (NEST Centre) to mobilise retired professionals as trainers, mentors, consultants and advisers for small and medium enterprises, TVET institutions and community development projects.

In the statement Abdul Halim also called for a Family Caregiver Allowance Scheme to support Malaysians who leave employment or reduce working hours to care for elderly parents, alongside certified caregiver training and respite services.

-- BERNAMA