WITH Malaysia attracting more high-tech investments, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education must move beyond technical knowledge.
It must focus on building adaptable, future-ready students who can apply technology across disciplines, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy is becoming an essential skill not only for science and technology students, but across all fields, as workplaces increasingly rely on digital tools and automation.
“AI is something that we need to learn, and we need to stay with it,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the TECHTalks held in conjunction with the launch of National Science Week (MSN) 2026 at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) on April 14.
Chang added that STEM education today must also encourage students to think about how emerging technologies can be integrated into their own fields and professions.
“It is AI plus your area,” he said, explaining that AI applications are expanding into sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, education and business (see infographic).
He also said students should cultivate curiosity and embrace lifelong learning, especially as technology continues to evolve rapidly.
“Learning is a lifelong process. It is not only limited to your school days, primary, secondary school or university,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mimos Bhd senior staff researcher in technology development Lau Phooi Yee, who joined Chang during the session, noted that STEM education and AI skills are becoming more applied, interdisciplinary and accessible, especially for students outside traditional computing fields.
Mimos is the national applied research and development centre under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
Lau, who also heads the agency’s generative and conversational AI lab, shared that her team is developing generative AI tools such as a “study buddy” capable of helping students across subjects including law, psychology and medicine.
“Advancements in generative AI have lowered barriers for innovation, allowing students and young innovators to create systems and solutions more easily than before.
“This is why we need to continue strengthening STEM education and skills development so more students can be part of Malaysia’s future innovation pipeline,” she said.
She added that while Malaysia’s AI and technology job market may not yet be as extensive as those in more developed countries, opportunities are expected to grow rapidly as the government continues investing in STEM education and AI talent development.
She pointed to the recent launch of the country’s first AI faculty at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia as one example of efforts to build local expertise in STEM, while preparing students for emerging careers in AI and other advanced technologies.
“As demand for STEM talent continues rising globally, Malaysia is taking AI development seriously and strengthening its talent pipeline through education, research and industry collaboration,” she said.
