As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, companies and organisations need skilled individuals who can create, develop and manage technology systems and processes to keep them competitive.
These tech talents are responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers our modern world, from software applications to artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and beyond.
Moreover, the presence of tech talent can also attract investments, foster innovation and create new job opportunities, making it a crucial component of a healthy economy. In today’s global marketplace, countries that fail to cultivate and retain tech talent risk falling behind in the race for technological progress and competitiveness.
According to a news article by The Star, Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) and Sunway Education Group (SEG) have partnered to create an innovative computer science school named 42 Malaysia (42MY).
The goal of the joint venture is to develop 10,000 skilled tech talents in the next 10 years. 42MY is part of a global network of 47 campuses across 26 countries that offer free education to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of their educational or economic status.
The school’s education model focuses on practical project-based learning and peer-to-peer approaches. Students will have the opportunity to learn to code while working on real-life industry projects with participating corporate partners.
According to the Khazanah Nasional Managing Director, Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, the investment in 42MY is in alignment with their commitment to provide socioeconomic benefits to Malaysians through the Dana Impak mandate, which is a crucial part of the Advancing Malaysia strategic initiative.
He further stated that Khazanah intends to play a key role, along with other government-linked companies (GLCs), in funding high-growth start-ups in Malaysia, as per the Budget 2023, with the aim of driving the country’s economic growth and innovation.
Furthermore, Jeffrey Cheah Foundation founder and trustee Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah said SEG will expand 42MY through new campuses in Johor, Penang, and Kuching, with the potential for further expansion across Malaysia. The expansion aims to provide quality education to more students, discover and nurture more tech talents, and establish Malaysia as the leading digital economy in ASEAN.
