Chinese technology conglomerate Huawei Technologies has significantly strengthened its partnership with the Malaysian government to enhance the country's emerging industries related to artificial intelligence and fifth-generation networks. This development was announced during the 2024 Malaysia-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Huawei's involvement revolves around Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. The company recently disclosed a collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources, aimed at integrating advanced technology within the country's education infrastructure. This partnership is designed to facilitate knowledge transfer in key areas including artificial intelligence (AI), 5G technology, cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
As part of this initiative, Huawei and the government's manpower department have agreed, through a non-binding memorandum, to establish a TVET Huawei Learning Centre at Institut Latihan Perindustrian Kuala Lumpur. The centre will initially cater to a batch of 2,000 trainees, comprising engineers, new recruits, and educators. Participants will receive a combination of theoretical instruction and practical experience with Huawei's systems, aimed at enhancing their employability and preparing them for high-value roles within the information and communication technology (ICT) industry.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong highlighted the objective of the TVET programme, stating that it seeks to tap into Huawei's expertise in ICT to elevate the proficiency of Malaysians in advanced technological domains, particularly in 5G networks. Huawei Malaysia's Chief Executive Sun Luyuan noted the company’s commitment to the Malaysian market over the years, emphasising that approximately 80 percent of its local staff comprises Malaysian nationals.
Since establishing a representative office in Malaysia in 2001, Huawei has been dedicated to fostering local technical talent. The company reported collaborations with 42 Malaysian educational institutions over the past five years, through which it has established ICT academies and trained more than 50,000 professionals in relevant fields.
In March of this year, Huawei partnered with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to train 300 digital leaders from various sectors, including government and academia, over a three-year period. The first cohort of 50 trainees successfully graduated in 2023, acquiring skills in 5G, AI, cloud technology, and big data.
Huawei’s footprint in Malaysia has expanded considerably over the past two decades, currently boasting a workforce exceeding 4,000 employees across multiple facilities, including its local branch, Asia-Pacific headquarters, and a global training centre. Guo Rujing, Huawei’s Senior Public Relations Manager, remarked on the firm’s comprehensive approach to talent development, stating, "Huawei has established a local pyramid-shaped talent training system, from elite leaders, industry partners, university teachers, students, and now to vocational and technical talents."
This initiative appears to mark a significant step in aligning Malaysia's educational framework with its industrial needs, particularly in the rapidly advancing field of technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services