Malaysia Strengthens AI Workforce Push at BICSI Southeast Asia 2026

     

Malaysia Strengthens AI Workforce Push at BICSI Southeast Asia 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 July 2026 — Malaysia is accelerating efforts to close the talent gap needed to power its rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure sector, as government and industry leaders convened at the BICSI Southeast Asia Conference & Exhibition Malaysia 2026.

Officiated by Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, the two-day conference at Sunway Resort Hotel gathered ICT infrastructure professionals, engineers, consultants, technology providers, data centre operators and policymakers under the theme, "Advancing ICT Infrastructure for the AI-Connected Future."

Organised by the BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate, operated by Tecnoviq Learning Academy Sdn Bhd (TECLA) under an exclusive affiliate licence from BICSI, with event delivery support from Global Creative & Media Agency (GCMA), the conference returns to Malaysia for the second time, underscoring the country's growing role as a regional digital infrastructure hub.

Supported by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), alongside strategic partners including MDEC, Invest Selangor, Sidec and Cyberview, the event comes as Malaysia continues to attract record investments in AI, cloud computing and hyperscale data centres. With approved investments reaching RM92.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026—including RM38.9 billion in the ICT sector—and national data centre capacity projected to exceed 4,000MW, demand for skilled professionals in data centre engineering, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity and network architecture continues to rise.

At the same time, TalentCorp estimates that nearly 697,000 Malaysian workers could face job-transition risks over the next three to five years due to automation, highlighting the urgency of large-scale upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

In his officiating address, Datuk Khairul Firdaus said AI's rapid advancement must be matched by investments in talent development.

"There is no AI economy without world-class ICT infrastructure, and there is no world-class ICT infrastructure without world-class talent," he said, adding that Malaysia's long-term competitiveness depends on developing local expertise to design, build and operate the digital infrastructure underpinning the AI economy.

Mary Elizabeth Cheng, Director of the BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate, said Malaysia's leadership in AI, cloud computing and hyperscale data centres makes it an ideal venue for advancing regional collaboration on professional standards and workforce development.

BICSI CEO John H. Daniels added that sustainable digital infrastructure growth depends not only on investment in facilities, but also on internationally recognised standards, education and professional certification to ensure a highly competent workforce.

The conference features keynote presentations, technical sessions, expert forums and an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in AI-ready infrastructure, advanced fibre connectivity, structured cabling, liquid cooling, edge computing, cybersecurity, smart buildings and sustainable data centre design.

For more information, visit bicsi-sea.org.

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