Credit : Bernama
PETALING JAYA, November 10, 2026 – Developing a highly skilled workforce must remain a priority for Malaysia if the country is to make full use of digital transformation and the rapid growth of high-tech industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said.
Speaking at the official opening of Schneider Electric’s Regional Training Center (RTC) here, Chang said that while Malaysia continues to attract billions of ringgit in high-tech investment, the country’s success ultimately depends on the ability of its local workforce to master and harness emerging technologies.
“Malaysia is currently at the forefront of the regional digital transformation, with global companies choosing the country as an investment destination for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, smart factories and renewable energy, further strengthening our position as the digital backbone of the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. “However, behind these investments lies a fundamental truth: machines do not build nations, people do.”
Chang said the rapid adoption of digitalisation, advanced automation and complex electrification had increased demand for workers with technical expertise aligned with industry needs. “Without equipping our engineers, technicians and young Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talents with practical, industry-relevant skills, we risk leaving our workforce behind as technology continues to advance,” he added. He said the centre could help turn national innovation policies into economic gains by developing workers with industry-relevant skills, supporting knowledge and technology transfer, and connecting local start-ups with industrial expertise. With the right tools and training, he said, Malaysians could compete internationally and take on roles developing, operating and leading technologies across the region.
He highlighted Malaysia’s placing of 34th out of 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, and said the country recorded more than RM200 billion in approved investments in the first half of this year, including RM95 billion in data centres and cloud infrastructure, particularly in Selangor and Johor.
The 18,500-square-foot facility in Petaling Jaya can train more than 550 participants a year from 15 Asia-Pacific countries, through hands-on exercises using operational equipment and real-world industry scenarios. The Edge reported that training will be offered to Schneider Electric employees, customers, partners and contractors, covering low- and medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment, including circuit breakers and transformers, as well as backup power supplies and battery systems, energy management, industrial automation and digital tools for monitoring data centre operations. Trainees will work with functioning equipment to practise identifying faults and to learn how electrical supplies, backup power and monitoring systems work together.
Schneider Electric Malaysia country president Eugene Quah said Malaysia was chosen for its talent, strategic location, growing digital economy and the government’s commitment to skills development. He said linking the training academy with the company’s service teams would allow problems encountered at customers’ facilities to be incorporated into training. “That means what we learn from customers shapes our training, and what we teach helps solve the issues they face,” he said, according to The Edge.
The opening also coincides with Schneider Electric’s 40th anniversary in Malaysia and, The Edge reported, builds on France–Malaysia cooperation in technology, innovation and talent development as the two countries approach 70 years of diplomatic relations. French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour said the centre would bring international expertise together with local experience, allowing engineers and technicians from different markets to exchange knowledge. “French companies are not here as short-term visitors. They are here as long-term partners, growing alongside the nation and investing in its future,” he said. Also present was Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Richard Fostier. Chang officiated at the opening.
Sources: Bernama, Malay Mail/Bernama, The Edge
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