PETALING JAYA: The collaboration between two giants - one in construction and engineering, and the other in technology - took on another meaningful step with the launch of Malaysia's first purpose-built AI-based training academy.
On Friday (Oct 11), Gamuda Bhd unveiled its AI Academy here, which Google Cloud powers.
At the launch event today, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Google's US$2bil (RM8.55bil) data centre and cloud region facility is expected to generate over US$3.2bil (RM13.69bil) in economic impact and create 26,500 jobs by 2030.
"The series of investments by Google, and other tech giants in recent months, underscores Malaysia's attractiveness as a premier destination to global investors.
"Malaysia's digital economy is expected to contribute 25.5%, if not more, to the country's GDP by the end of 2025," he said in his speech at the event attended by Gamuda Engineering managing director Justin Chin, Google Cloud Singapore & Malaysia director Serene Sia and Gamuda group chief digital officer John Lim Ji Xiong.
Gobind added that the bar needs to be raised to transform Malaysia into a regional AI hub.
"This includes establishing a skilled workforce to satisfy the growing demands of the tech industry.
"Equipping our youths with the right skills, especially in this digital era, is something our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is very concerned about, as he has repeatedly called for more AI-related lessons and TVET training in schools and other learning institutions," he said.
In her speech, Sia said Google Cloud believes in making AI skills and tools more accessible to more Malaysians to create a better future for all.
"This academy represents their continued efforts to make a positive impact in Malaysia, for Malaysians. We at Google Cloud are proud to be your partner, providing the same expertise and resources we use to train our own AI experts, to make this academy a success," she said.
Meanwhile, Lim told The Star that the extensive partnership with Google unlocks the full potential of Google's Cloud platform.
"This synergy empowers Gamuda to pioneer innovative solutions across our projects, leveraging our deep industry expertise and Google's cutting-edge technology," he said.
The first intake in September has attracted 42 students, ranging from fresh graduates in IT and engineering to mid-career professionals seeking to upskill. Also in the mix are a few
neuro-divergent students supported by Yayasan Gamuda's Enabling Academy.
More on the AI Academy can be found at https://www.gamudaai.academy/.
