A proposal was put forth by a member of the Dewan Negara advocating increased participation of public universities in delivering courses related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). This proposal aligns with the evolving landscape of technology, anticipated to fundamentally reshape the future employment scenario.
Senator Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran stressed that the heightened involvement of higher education institutions would create a more expansive platform for cultivating experts capable of addressing the challenges posed by the changes and advancements in AI technology, based on Bernama’s news report.
Citing a Ministry of Human Resources study projecting a potential job loss for 4.5 million workers in the country by 2030 due to AI and Machine Learning (ML), Sivarraajh underscored the potential risk reduction by offering more AI-focused courses.
He highlighted the significance of this effort, emphasising that even though the majority of at-risk jobs are categorised as semi-skilled and unskilled, the impact on people’s livelihoods cannot be underestimated.
Expressing approval for the government’s initiative to establish the country’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence Studies Centre, namely the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the senator called for an intensified effort with the inclusion of more public higher education institutions in providing AI courses.
During the presentation of Budget 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the establishment of the nation’s first AI Studies Centre at UTM, with an initial allocation of RM20 million.
Sivarraajh asserted that the engagement of additional educational institutions in offering AI studies could attract industry investors, as it demonstrates the capability to furnish a credible talent pool that meets the demands of the job market.
