URGENT NEED FOR HIGHLY SKILLED ICT TALENT AS A RESULT OF AI AND DATA CENTER EXPLOSION BECOMES FOCUS OF BICSI SOUTH EAST ASIA CONFERENCE
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 July 2026 — The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), hyperscale data centres and cloud computing in Malaysia needs to be supported by the development of local talent capable of meeting the needs of the increasingly complex information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure industry.
Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan said the development of digital technology would not be fully utilized if the country failed to provide skilled manpower to design, develop, operate and maintain the infrastructure that is the backbone of the digital economy.
“Today, artificial intelligence is transforming every sector, but AI does not operate in isolation. Every AI application relies on secure data centers, high-speed fiber networks, structured cabling systems, cloud infrastructure, and resilient communication networks.
"In other words, there is no AI economy without world-class ICT infrastructure and there is no world-class ICT infrastructure without world-class skilled workers," he said.
He said this when opening the BICSI Southeast Asia Conference & Exhibition Malaysia 2026 at the Sunway Resort Hotel here today.
The two-day conference, themed "Advancing ICT Infrastructure for an AI-Connected Future", brought together industry players, engineers, consultants, technology providers, data centre operators, policymakers and business leaders from Malaysia and Southeast Asian countries.
The conference comes as Malaysia continues to attract significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and hyperscale data centres. With total approved investments exceeding RM92.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026, including RM38.9 billion in the ICT sector according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the country's data centre capacity expected to exceed 4,000MW after 2026, the need for a highly skilled ICT workforce is becoming increasingly critical.
This development shows the increasing demand for professionals with expertise in data center engineering, cloud infrastructure, network architecture, cybersecurity and sustainable ICT infrastructure development.
At the same time, Malaysia faces the challenge of ensuring that its existing workforce can adapt to rapid technological changes.
The AI, Digital and Green Economy Impact Study by TalentCorp estimates that approximately 697,000 workers in the country are at risk of significant job transitions in the next three to five years due to automation.
Therefore, efforts to improve skills and retrain need to be implemented continuously to ensure that the local workforce remains relevant and can take advantage of the opportunities created by the growth of the digital economy.
Khairul Firdaus stressed, “While the influx of investment in hyperscale data centres and digital infrastructure is a positive development, Malaysia’s ability to sustain this growth in the long term depends on the extent to which the country is able to produce highly skilled local talent.”
Meanwhile, BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate Director Mary Elizabeth Cheng said Malaysia was strategically positioned to host the conference following the country's rapid growth in the AI, hyperscale data centre, cloud computing and digital connectivity sectors.
“With Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, continuing to witness rapid growth in AI, hyperscale data centers, cloud computing and digital connectivity, the need for internationally recognized standards, quality training and professional certification has never been more important,” he said.
BICSI Chief Executive Officer John H. Daniels said the strength of a digital infrastructure hub does not only depend on the number of facilities built, but is also determined by the capabilities of the workforce that manages it .
According to him, AI, cloud computing and data centre operations require ICT infrastructure that is designed, installed, tested and maintained according to sound professional standards and practices.
"BICSI is pleased to support this regional discussion because reliable infrastructure does not happen by chance. It is built by a qualified workforce that uses proven methods, performs its duties with integrity and focuses on the communities, businesses and public services that rely on the system every day," he said.
BICSI Southeast Asia Conference & Exhibition Malaysia 2026 is organised through the BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate operated by Tecnoviq Learning Academy Sdn Bhd (TECLA) under an exclusive affiliate license from BICSI, with organising support from Global Creative & Media Agency (GCMA).
The conference was supported by KESUMA as well as strategic partners including the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Invest Selangor Berhad, Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and Cyberview.
The organisation of the conference was also supported by industry organisations such as the Malaysian SME Association (SME Malaysia), the Malaysian Computer and Multimedia Industry Association (PIKOM) and the Malaysian Digital Chamber of Commerce (MDCC).
Over the two days of the event, the conference featured keynote presentations, technical sessions, expert forums and networking sessions that touched on various aspects of digital infrastructure, including the development of AI-ready infrastructure, advanced fiber optic technology, structured cabling, liquid cooling technology, edge computing, smart buildings, cybersecurity and sustainable data center design.
The exhibition, which took place simultaneously, also highlighted solutions from global and regional technology companies in an effort to showcase the latest developments and innovations shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
About BICSI
BICSI is a global professional association supporting the advancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) profession. BICSI serves more than 26,000 members and credential holders and provides standards, education, certification and credentialing programs, conferences, publications, and professional resources for individuals and organizations responsible for the planning, design, installation, management, and operation of ICT infrastructure. BICSI's mission is to advance the ICT profession through integrity, service, and excellence. For more information, visit bicsi.org .
About BICSI Southeast Asia
The BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate supports BICSI's mission across the region by expanding access to professional development, industry-recognized education, certifications, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for ICT infrastructure professionals. Operated by Tecnoviq Learning Academy Sdn Bhd (TECLA) under an exclusive Affiliate license from BICSI, the Affiliate helps connect professionals, employers, and industry stakeholders with BICSI resources that strengthen workforce capability and support reliable digital infrastructure delivery across Southeast Asia.
*PR BY GCMA
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