Regional initiative aims to bridge skills gaps through industry-aligned training
THE future workforce must be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, especially as Malaysia aspires to become an AI Nation by 2030.
In line with this goal, the Digital Ministry recently launched the Korea-Asean Digital Academy (KADA), a strategic collaboration between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea to develop future-ready AI talent through industry-aligned training programmes.
The programme will run from 2026 to 2027, comprising four training cohorts aimed at developing approximately 200 industry-ready Malaysian AI and digital professionals.
Participants will undergo specialised training in AI and emerging digital technologies, gaining practical skills, global perspectives and industry competencies to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy.
The programme’s implementation in Malaysia will be coordinated by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
The launch on July 13 was officiated by MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil on behalf of Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Gobind, in his speech read out by Anuar, said developing talent is one of the most important investments Malaysia can make in its digital future.
“Through initiatives such as KADA, we are equipping Malaysians with the skills, knowledge and international exposure needed to seize opportunities in an AI-driven economy while supporting Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness,” he said.
Anuar said MDEC’s role in the initiative is to connect Malaysian talent with global expertise and industry-relevant training, equipping them with the AI capabilities needed.
The launch follows the introduction of the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030, a national blueprint aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s digital capabilities and developing a highly skilled workforce.
KADA, which saw Malaysia selected as one of its participating countries following its endorsement at the 6th Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting in January, is among the initiatives supporting this broader effort.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), through its Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FSKM), was selected as Malaysia’s host institution following an evaluation process involving selected Premier Digital Tech Institutions.
The programme will be delivered by ABLEARN, the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA)’s appointed service provider, in collaboration with Garranto Academy, which serves as the local operational partner.
Beyond talent development, KADA aims to strengthen cooperation between Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and Asean member states by promoting knowledge exchange and advancing AI capability development across the region, according to an MDEC press release.
Also present at the launch were representatives from the Republic of Korea, academia and industry, including Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae, NIPA executive vice president Kim Deuk-jung, and UiTM deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) and acting deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Prof Dr Yamin Yasin.
