Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must evolve beyond just adopting AI. It must develop and harness the technology responsibly to create solutions that make a global impact, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang. He emphasized the need for a skilled, future-ready workforce and an innovation ecosystem rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared prosperity as AI continues to reshape industries, economies, and everyday life.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chang outlined this vision while officiating the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) Experts Network in Technology, Innovation and Cooperative (ENTICE) 2026 event. He stated that this vision aligns with the ministry's goal of building a High-Tech Nation through Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy, supported by agile governance, enabling policies, and a future-ready workforce. He highlighted Malaysia's strategic location, robust digital connectivity, competitive business climate, and growing tech talent as key factors positioning the country to capitalize on the strong global demand for high-performance computing and hyperscale data centres.
Chang noted Malaysia's emergence as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing data centre hubs, with over RM140 billion in data centre and cloud-related investments approved between 2021 and 2025, according to Bank Negara Malaysia. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that data centre growth remains sustainable, with careful attention to energy and water use, environmental management, and the well-being of surrounding communities.
MBOT president Prof Datuk Ts Ir Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib reiterated the board's commitment to strengthening the technology profession through professional recognition, competency development, and lifelong learning. He revealed that MBOT has over 119,000 registered technologists and technicians nationwide, emphasizing the board's role in equipping graduates with relevant competencies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
The MBOT ENTICE 2026 event, themed 'Breakthrough with Purpose in the Age of AI,' aims to bring together technology professionals, industry leaders, academia, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation in the AI era. Also present at the event was Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry deputy secretary-general (Planning and Science Acculturation) Datin Safida Zalma Mohd Piah.