By Danial Dzulkifly
THE digital revolution has reached unprecedented heights with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), giving rise to the development of numerous tools to harness this innovative technology for solving complex problems.
Selangor, the nation’s wealthiest state, which contributes significantly to the national economy, has emerged as a pioneer in incorporating AI into its digital systems that serve the public.
This initiative aims to also support advanced economic sectors, aiming to create high-impact jobs within the state.
Instead of limiting its vision to paper, the state government has committed substantial resources to this cause.
Through the detailed First Selangor Plan (RS-1) launched in 2022, the government has prioritised technology and the digital economy, designating them as key pillars in elevating Selangor’s position as the business gateway to Asean.
Among other major initiatives is the proposed establishment of a Selangor Centre for AI, a strategic move to establish a robust AI infrastructure and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the technology sector.
As announced during the 2024 Selangor Budget, the state government has allocated RM1 million to establish this centre.
Meeting Industry Needs
Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping said this initiative aligns with the Selangor Digital School’s (SDS) objective of cultivating AI talent.
SDS, a Sidec educational initiative, aims to train 600 students in AI this year and integrate them into the industry through placements in tech companies.
Its programme, dubbed AI Nusantara, has already produced its first batch of graduates — 30 students from Universiti Selangor’s computer science programme studying AI engineering.
He said its primary objective is to rectify the mismatch between available talents and the evolving needs of industries, mainly as Selangor aims to attract high-quality investments.
“At present, there exists a disparity between the available talent pool and tech companies’ requirements. Despite the influx of foreign direct investment, the challenge lies in the insufficient talent pool.
“To attract high-tech industries, we need to showcase a substantial talent pool, where proficiency in English is now considered a basic requirement, and possessing AI skills is a crucial qualification,” Yong said in a recent interview with Selangor Journal.
AI Nusantara, comprising a 60-hour syllabus, is designed to augment the value of students’ tertiary education. Importantly, it can be tailored to align with the industry’s specific requirements, offering flexibility and relevance.
In addition to its collaboration with private firms, a significant attraction of the programme lies in its ability to supply much-needed talent to the Selangor Centre for AI.
Through the Centre for AI, developed in collaboration with the Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC) and other government agencies, the state aims to provide long-term benefits to the private sector by fostering a knowledgeable and capable workforce ready to take on the jobs opened by investments.
AI for Everything
He said that while private AI labs are prevalent, many need more challenging projects, a situation contrasting with Selangor.
“The state grapples with complex challenges daily. Through establishing the centre, talents from our programme can contribute to resolving these issues.
“Take, for instance, the formation of the Selangor Mobility Lab. The centre aims to address road congestion while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency of public transportation and encouraging its use,” Yong said.
Yong said the programme also goes beyond imparting essential AI skills; it also facilitates placements or internships with tech companies seeking individuals with these valuable skills.
“We not only offer them internships but also, hopefully, opportunities with tech companies. Every participant receives actual internship offers, although some may opt to decline, allowing them the freedom to choose their path,” he said.
Yong underscored the practical application of acquired knowledge within these tech companies, which goes beyond simply mastering AI tools like ChatGPT; participants also learn to understand specific business needs.
“They need to comprehend the concerns and then identify AI tools suitable for their respective industries, such as accounting, business processes, manufacturing, or utilising robotic arms in retail.
“The application of AI extends to diverse areas, including integrating them into coffee machines, for instance,” he added.
In the long term, Yong said he wishes to see the programme turned into an institute with proper accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
“We still have a long way to go before this happens, but for now, we are providing physical classes to 30 students per batch at a time to ensure quality learning and implementation.
“We aim to train 600 of these students for the year. Our talent is not merely from this state but all over Malaysia,” he said.
Into the Future
During AI Nusantara’s inaugural graduation ceremony on January 18, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari reiterated the state’s unwavering commitment to building a robust AI ecosystem within its borders.
He stressed the importance of Malaysia’s most developed state leading the AI competition to position the nation as a regional leader in Southeast Asia.
“It is no mean feat, but I do not see why we should not aim higher,” Amirudin said.
With the introduction of the five-year RS-1, the state government has identified technology and the digital economy as key pillars in elevating Selangor as the Asean gateway.
Efforts like AI Nusantara are viewed as instrumental in achieving this goal.
He also stressed the significance of tailored training provided by the programme, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to better understand and benefit from AI advancements.
“AI Nusantara will also address inequality in access to AI education and narrow the gap between the haves and have-nots,” Amirudin said.
The Menteri Besar is confident that AI Nusantara is a positive step towards deeper integration of AI in the daily operations of the private sector, marking a significant move in the right direction.
Similarly, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han highlighted the significance of initiatives with a strong focus on cultivating skills relevant to Smart Cities and Smart Mobility, particularly in industries like electric vehicles (EV) and batteries.
“This strategic emphasis positions Malaysia as an enticing destination for foreign investors seeking to capitalise on advancements in these sectors. Undoubtedly, the existence of a skilled workforce emerges as a pivotal factor in the allure of foreign direct investment,” he said.
Ng said SDS has established fruitful collaborations with 55 companies associated with the Internet Alliance and 50 companies within the Sidec cooperation network.
“A total of 105 industry collaboration partners have expressed interest in welcoming students who have undergone training in AI,” he said.
These companies include Yinson Holdings Bhd, Lazada, Fusionex Group, EasyStore, Razer Merchant Services, and ClickAsia.
The emphasis on partnerships with key industry players demonstrates a commitment to aligning skills development with industry needs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the evolving job market.
