AS technological advancements continue to reshape industries and professions, students should embrace continuous learning to remain adaptable, says Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
“Remain curious about emerging technologies and consider how these developments could be applied within your respective fields of study and future professions,” the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister told more than 430 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) students during a sharing session at the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) TechTalks Series 3/2026.
Chang stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, noting that AI is becoming increasingly relevant across disciplines as organisations adopt digital tools and automation.
“With AI applications expanding across areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, education and business, students from diverse academic backgrounds can benefit from developing an awareness of how technology is transforming their respective sectors.
“STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education should therefore extend beyond technical competencies by nurturing students who are adaptable and capable of applying knowledge across disciplines,” he said.
On the semiconductor industry, Chang highlighted Malaysia’s aspiration to progress beyond its established strengths in manufacturing towards greater technology creation and innovation.
He said new investments, specialised training and strategic partnerships would contribute to developing capabilities across the semiconductor value chain.
“These efforts are aimed at building a semiconductor ecosystem that is competitive, resilient and future-ready, while creating opportunities for the next generation of talent to contribute to Malaysia’s technological development,” he added.
As Malaysia continues to attract high-technology and high-value investments, he said the government is working with universities and industry players to encourage more students to pursue science and technology disciplines and to strengthen the talent pipeline required to support the country’s expanding high-tech sector.
Chang’s session was followed by an industry sharing session by Infineon Technologies Kulim senior director Tan Soon Keong, who offered participants insights into developments and opportunities emerging from Malaysia’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
The programme concluded with a dialogue and Q&A session moderated by UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology lecturer Dr Loh Siu Hong, with Chang and Tan as panellists.
The varsity, in a press release, said the event provided a meaningful platform for students to gain firsthand perspectives from policymakers and industry practitioners, while strengthening their understanding of the relationship between education, technology and industry needs.
“Such engagements complement classroom learning by exposing students to real-world perspectives and encouraging them to think critically about emerging trends and their potential applications,” it added.
Also present were UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Mosti deputy secretary-general Datin Safida Zalma Mohd Piah, Mosti deputy undersecretary Nani Rahayu Sudin, and UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology dean Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun.
