JOHOR BARU: The Digital Ministry has pushed for the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) faculties at higher learning institutions nationwide to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in the AI sector.
Minister Gobind Singh Deo said that these initiatives are crucial for developing local expertise and ensuring a strong talent pool to support the industry's future growth.
"Moving forward, the nation requires a substantial workforce proficient in AI technologies," he said at the launch of the Transformation of Manufacturing with 5G and AI Technology event here today.
"While infrastructure is being developed, skilled individuals are essential to operate and maximise its potential."
Gobind said that AI faculties would provide Malaysians with greater access to knowledge and opportunities in the field.
"If there is sufficient focus on AI, it will create opportunities for every Malaysian to acquire the necessary education to improve their capabilities and ensure a steady supply of talent," he said.
Gobind described the launch of the country's first AI faculty at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a significant milestone.
The faculty, which welcomed its first cohort of 100 students last month, aims to lead AI education and innovation in the country.
"We want to ensure AI faculties are established nationwide. Any university with the capacity to launch such a faculty will have our full support," Gobind said.
The university has also begun offering a Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence with honours programmes, with 129 students enrolling in its first intake.