Kesuma Steps Up ICT Talent Development as AI and Data Centre Investments Surge – Khairul Firdaus

PETALING JAYA, July 21 — Malaysia’s escalating investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and hyperscale data centres are driving urgent demand for a highly skilled information and communications technology (ICT) workforce, Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said today.

In response to the digital boom, the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) is continually strengthening the nation’s human capital by equipping local workers with high-value technical competencies required to thrive in an increasingly digital and AI-driven economy.

“Our focus is clear to ensure that Malaysians are not only ready for the jobs of today, but also equipped for the high-value careers of tomorrow,” Khairul Firdaus stated.

“Our long-term competitiveness depends on our ability to develop Malaysians with the knowledge, technical expertise and professional competencies needed to seize these opportunities.”

Speaking during the official opening of the two-day BICSI Southeast Asia Conference and Exhibition Malaysia 2026, the deputy minister underscored that physical infrastructure alone cannot sustain economic transformation without human expertise.

“Technology can be imported. Buildings can be constructed…Equipment can be purchased. But highly skilled talent must be nurtured. This is where Kesuma plays an important role,” he noted.

The regional summit brought together ICT infrastructure professionals, engineers, consultants, technology providers, policymakers, and corporate leaders from across Southeast Asia to deliberate on AI-ready infrastructure, advanced fibre connectivity, structured cabling, edge computing, cybersecurity, smart buildings, and sustainable digital ecosystems. Also present at the officiating ceremony were BICSI Chief Executive Officer John H. Daniels and Director of BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate Mary Elizabeth Cheng.

Highlighting ongoing capacity-building frameworks, Khairul Firdaus pointed to targeted national initiatives such as TalentCorp’s Jelajah AI MyMahir (JAM) programme, which provides Malaysians with practical AI knowledge and industry-relevant digital skill sets to maintain competitiveness in technology-driven workplaces.

“Behind every data centre, every intelligent building, every fibre network and every AI application is something more important, which is skilled people. Infrastructure enables innovation and talent sustains it,” the deputy minister emphasized.

“That is why this conference is not merely about technology. It is about developing the people who will design, build, secure, operate and continuously improve the digital economy of tomorrow,” he added.

-NMT