MALAYSIA is building a stronger talent pipeline in high-tech sectors, with over 100,000 technologists and technicians currently recognised by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said this reflects ongoing efforts to elevate technology-based professions to the same standing as engineering and medicine. He was responding to Datuk Larry Sng (PBM-Julau), who had asked about measures to empower talents in fields such as robotics.As of October, MBOT has registered 107,423 technologists and technicians across 24 technology fields, he said, adding that the recognition scope has been expanded to include emerging technologies across multiple sectors.
“This provides a formal pathway for technically and technologically skilled individuals to be recognised as professional technologists and certified technicians,” he said.
On academic programme accreditation, Chang said MBOT has established a specific framework for institutions offering AI-related programmes.
He said recently, several institutions such as Universiti Kuala Lumpur, University College of Yayasan Pahang and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah have begun offering AI-related programmes.
To support lifelong learning, MBOT also accredits advanced short-term technology courses through the Professional Development Certification framework to ensure programme quality in terms of technical content, instructor qualifications and assessment standards.
For example, MBOT has accredited training in integrated circuit design, semiconductors and IoT automation, enabling skilled workers to strengthen their competencies in emerging technology.
