Malaysia on way to golden digital decade, needs more talent and expertise - Fahmi

LONDON: Malaysia is on its way to a golden digital decade and becoming an Asian digital tiger, thus the country needs more talent and expertise, especially in data and technology, said Fahmi Fadzil.

Speaking to about 100 Malaysian students here, the Communications and Digital Minister emphasised that the future is going to be all about digital and that at least one-fourth of the economy will be contributed by the digital economy.

"The digital economy is a big part of our future. We're getting a lot of big investments almost every month. Just a few days ago, a company from Australia invested RM3 billion for a data centre in PJ. The week before a US company also committed RM3 billion.

"Whatever field of work you're in, there will be a digital aspect to that work. What's more, in this day and age, what we considered conventional jobs is no longer the case. A lot of traditional jobs are disappearing. The future is very exciting but also very challenging," he said.

Malaysia has aimed to achieve a digital investment target of RM130 billion by 2025, which would contribute 25.5 per cent to the country's gross domestic product.

During the event, Fahmi also advised the students to eventually return home and serve the country.

"After studies, many of you would have to choose either to stay or return. If you stay, make full use of the opportunity. Study hard and one day bring that talent and experience back to Malaysia. Come back and help Malaysia," he said.

There are currently about 12,500 Malaysian students in the UK.

Fahmi is currently in London leading the Malaysian delegation to London Tech Week, which will be opened by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on Monday morning.

Taking place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, about 30,000 delegates are expected to be in attendance throughout the week.

Fahmi is also scheduled to witness the signing of more than 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysian and international companies on Tuesday.

-- BERNAMA