Sultan Sharafuddin (second from left) having a look at some of the books sold by vendors at the Selangor International Book Fair. — Photos: KK SHAM/The Star
SELANGOR Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has emphasised the importance of lifelong learning in addressing the challenges of the modern world.
“The demands of the modern economy and our socioeconomic challenges means that as a society, we must not shy away from these challenges but be agile to adapt to tectonic shifts across the globe,” he said.
“Whether it is artificial intelligence, climate change or overcoming food insecurity, we must approach these challenges with an open mind to education as a silver bullet to arm the future generation.”
Amirudin said this in his speech at the inaugural Selangor Education Summit (SES) 2024 held at Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam, Shah Alam.
Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah graced the opening of the five-day summit.
Amirudin said the state government was also placing significant emphasis on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), with the aim to upskill the workforce and prepare them for the future.
Sultan Sharafuddin (centre) marking the opening of Selangor Education Summit 2024. With him are Amirudin (left) and Selangor Public Library Corporation director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad.
“Due to the rapidly changing nature of production through automation and importance of nanochips through semiconductors to power artificial intelligence, the state, through Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre, has embarked on collaborative programmes with Apple, Siemens, Festo and Dassault Systemes.
“In the coming year, we will expand this collaboration to include Google, which has invested in building data centres in Selangor, with an educational focus through building the capacity of our human capital to fully understand and take advantage of the gains artificial intelligence can bring to the workplace.”
On SES 2024, Amirudin said it was a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s education landscape.
The summit comprised four main expos, including WorldSkills Malaysia Selangor 2024.
Selangor International Book Fair aimed to promote a reading culture, while Selangor Research, Development and Innovation Expo emphasised on the three areas’ importance to inspire future innovators.
Children browsing books at Selangor International Book Fair, one of four events held at Selangor Education Summit 2024.
Selangor Advance Skills Expo focused on cutting-edge technology and skills, featuring leading companies like Siemens, Dassault Systemes and Festo.
Amirudin said students who have undertaken internships with these companies, in collaboration with the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre, will compete in the WorldSkills format.
Selangor Education’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Expo highlighted STEM education and encouraged interest in those subjects.
