KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Aisling Professional Development, the talent solutions arm of Aisling Group Malaysia, has announced a landmark alliance with the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation (IITM Global), a wholly owned entity of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
The strategic collaboration marks the launch of IITM Global – certified professional IT and digital technology programmes in Malaysia, designed to establish a localised, high-tech ecosystem focused on delivering world-class AI research, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and essential sovereign digital capabilities.
Aisling Group board director Akhil Gupta said this collaboration is a game-changer for Malaysia's strategic growth.
"It will leverage IIT Madras deep-tech startup engine to create a tangible pipeline of investible opportunities, cementing Malaysia's position as a regional hub for future-proof innovation," he said during the launch of the partnership on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, IIT Madras Global chief executive officer Thirumalai Madhavnarayan said IIT Madras is globally recognised for its excellence in research-led innovation, entrepreneurship and high-end skilling and academic programs.
"We are excited to partner with Aisling Group and bring our successful research and innovation model to Malaysia. This collaboration will help create a robust research and innovation ecosystem that aligns with the Digital Vision of the country, meets local industry needs, fuels deep-tech startups and empowers Malaysia's digital future," he said.
The launch of the partnership was officiated by the Secretary-General of the Malaysian Digital Ministry, Fabian Bigar and India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B.N. Reddy.
In his speech, Fabian said the strategic alliance is expected to generate high-value employment opportunities, attract international investments, and strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the global digital economy.
"The collaboration represents a major step forward in advancing Malaysia’s National Digital Strategic Initiative (NDI), which aims to position the nation as a leading regional hub for innovation and technology-driven growth.
"Through this partnership, the country seeks to nurture a new generation of highly skilled digital talent capable of driving sustainable economic transformation," he said.
In a statement, Founder of Aisling Group Melissa Norman said with IITM Global, the group aims to build the capabilities of local talent and, in turn, transition Malaysia from a consumer of technology to a sovereign developer and exporter of deep-tech solutions emphasised the critical need for locally-developed expertise.
The venture aimed to move Malaysia beyond traditional "tech imports" developed and owned by foreign companies to enhance Malaysia’s Sovereign Capability to ensure the nation owns the critical skills and intellectual property (IP) required to lead in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
By equipping professionals with high-value skill sets, the partnership will play a role in helping Malaysia achieve its target of creating 300,000 to 500,000 new jobs in the digital technology ecosystem by 2030, in line with the13th Malaysia Plan and the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030.
-- BERNAMA
