Jul 30, 2024
PUTRAJAYA, 30 JULY 2024 – The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) through The Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) is ready to play its role as a leader in talent development within Malaysia's technological sector.
In his speech at the MBOT Experts Network in Technology, Innovation and Cooperative Event: Celebrating Diversity and InclusivityThrough Technology, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted that MOSTI recognised the scarcity of high-tech talent, particularly in emerging technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, Integrated Circuit Design, cloud computing and cybersecurity. He noted, “Conventionally, the pathway to becoming a professional has been through academic degrees, including master's and Ph.D. programs. 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.” added YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Following that, MOSTI has mandated MBOT to spearhead a transformative 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, a strategic plan 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 its latest international recognition as they are recently 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 that are mostly advanced nations, namely Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, United States, and the United Kingdom.
YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, also congratulated MBOT on the launch of the MBOT STRIVE (2024-2029) strategic plan. This strategic 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, committed to supporting and advancing technological and technical expertise. During the event, MBOT honored:
●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
●YBrs. Tc. Azuan Failani bin Ariffin, Assistant Officer Vocational Training at ADTEC Jerantut, with the Anugerah Juruteknik Negara 2024.
ENTICE, a platform aims to nurture talent and promote inclusivity within the technological sector, creating a supportive community for MBOT members to thrive and collaborate. The event, held at Le Meridien Putrajaya, attracted over 500 MBOT members.
Photo : Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)