PETALING JAYA: Developing a highly skilled workforce must remain a priority for Malaysia to fully capitalise on opportunities arising from digital transformation and the rapid growth of high-tech industries.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said that while Malaysia continues to attract billions of ringgit in high-tech sector investments, the country’s success ultimately depends on its local workforce’s ability to master and harness emerging technologies.
“Malaysia is currently at the forefront of the regional digital transformation, with global companies choosing the country as an investment destination for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, smart factories and renewable energy, further strengthening our position as the digital backbone of the Asia-Pacific region.
“However, behind these investments lies a fundamental truth: machines do not build nations, people do,” he said during the launch of Schneider Electric’s Regional Training Centre (RTC) here yesterday.
Chang said the rapid adoption of digitalisation, advanced automation and complex electrification has increased demand for workers with technical expertise and skills aligned with industry requirements.
“Without equipping our engineers, technicians and young Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talents with practical, industry-relevant skills, we risk leaving our workforce behind as technology continues to advance,” he added.
He said initiatives such as Schneider Electric’s RTC were important in bridging the gap between academic education and industry requirements while preparing Malaysians for opportunities in the growing digital economy.
Chang said industry investments in human capital development also reinforced the principle that Malaysia’s greatest asset was its people, ensuring national innovation policies translated into tangible economic outcomes.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s achievement in securing 34th place out of 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, Bernama reported.
Malaysia recorded more than RM200bil in approved investments in the first half of this year, including RM95bil in data centres and cloud infrastructure, particularly in Selangor and Johor.
The 1,719sq m facility can train more than 550 participants annually from 15 Asia-Pacific countries through hands-on technical exercises using operational equipment and real-world industry scenarios.
Also present at the event were French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour, Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Richard Fostier and Schneider Electric Malaysia country president Eugene Quah.
The event also coincides with Schneider Electric’s 40th anniversary in Malaysia, marking four decades of the company’s contribution to the country’s industrial development, energy transition and technological advancement.
