PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a united effort from telecommunication companies to develop specialised talent, unlocking new opportunities in technology-related job sectors and advancing Malaysia’s digital transformation on all fronts.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the PEDi Madani Conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC) today, he emphasised the pivotal role of telecommunication companies in driving the nation’s development and technology agenda.
He urged them to prioritise skills improvement initiatives, asserting that the cultivation of talent is integral to elevating Malaysia’s stature in the realm of digital transformation.
“I urge for a collective commitment from telecommunications companies to join forces with PEDi (Digital Economy Centre), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Communications and Digital Ministry.
“Focus on skills improvement is essential to drive our developmental and technological agenda, benefitting the people.
“Telecommunications firms should actively contribute to talent development, providing specific training for individuals to excel in emerging technology fields,” he said.
Also present at the event were Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and his deputy Teo Nie Ching, as well as MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.
He also highlighted that the country can truly grasp the essence of justice and ‘madani’ (civility) only through the development of its talent.
Anwar drew parallels with global corporations such as Infineon, Geely, Google, and Elon Musk’s Tesla, emphasising the demand for specialised expertise to propel companies to greater heights.
“This is the challenge we are facing because when we ask Infineon, Geely… they all said they need additional expertise in specific fields. Geely’s action of sending 300 people to China for additional expertise training exemplifies this demand.
“As such, I urge telecommunication companies to address this challenge by focusing on fields that can contribute to nurturing the expertise required in new technology,” he added.
Additionally, the prime minister emphasised the significance of PEDi as a crucial strategy for the country and expressed the need for its more successful implementation.
He announced plans for the expansion of PEDi activities across every state assembly, demonstrating the commitment by allocating RM25 million in Budget 2024, with a willingness to increase the allocation to ensure the robust growth of PEDi. – November 29, 2023