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Tuesday, 30 July 2024

MBOT reiterates commitment to growing the talent pool, inclusivity in Malaysia

The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia will lead in developing tech talent through the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT).

In a speech at the MBOT Experts Network in Technology, Innovation and Cooperative Event: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity Through Technology, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted that MOSTI has recognised the scarcity of high-tech talent, particularly in emerging technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuit design, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

He said: “Conventionally, the pathway to becoming a professional has been through academic degrees, including Master's and Ph.D. programmes. However, with rapid advancements in technology, these are no longer the only viable options.

“To propel Malaysia towards a knowledge-based economy, it is vital that at least 35% of our labour force comprises highly skilled individuals, aligning us with the average level of OECD countries. According to World Bank data, Malaysia needs to create 2 million additional high-skilled jobs. Currently, we face a shortage of skilled tech professionals, with demand exceeding supply. Achieving this target will bridge the gap and meet the growing demand for skilled labour in the technology sector.”

Source: MBOT. YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, received the Technology Leadership Award.
Source: MBOT. YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak (centre), received the Technology Leadership Award.

MOSTI has mandated MBOT to spearhead an initiative aimed at diversifying and enhancing professional development pathways by developing a comprehensive framework for accrediting and professionalising technology-related short courses and micro-credentials. This initiative is in line with the National TVET Policy 2030, which is designed to elevate the country's technical and vocational education system to meet industry demands and reduce reliance on foreign labour. The policy emphasises the importance of flexible and innovative learning pathways, including technology-based short courses, to develop a future- ready workforce capable of thriving in dynamic and evolving industries. 

MBOT has also announced that it has been accepted as a full signatory of the Seoul Accord. The Seoul Accord is a multilateral international agreement between professional bodies that accredits information technology and computing programmes, setting global standards for computing education worldwide. Through MBOT, IT and computing graduates by MBOT-accredited programmes will be recognised as equivalent to other signatory countries, namely Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, the US, and the UK. 

YB Tuan Chang further congratulated MBOT on the launch of the MBOT STRIVE (2024-2029) strategic plan. This plan aligns with the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030, a detailed roadmap outlining six key thrusts to advance Malaysia’s technological landscape that will guide MBOT in its mission over the next five years and solidify its leadership in talent development and professional recognition. Since its inception in 2015, MBOT has registered nearly 90,000 professionals.

During the event, MBOT additionally honoured:

● YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, with the Technology Leadership Award;

● YBhg. Dato' Ts. Dr Haji Amirudin bin Abdul Wahab, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia, with the Anugerah Teknologis Negara 2024; and

● Tc. Azuan Failani bin Ariffin, Assistant Officer Vocational Training at ADTEC Jerantut, with the Anugerah Juruteknik Negara 2024.

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