01/08/2025

FRIDAY | AUG 1, 2025

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DEWAN RAKYAT STORIES BY AZURA ABAS , HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN , ANDREW SAYAGAM , HARITH KAMAL , QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI , KIRTINEE RAMESH , FAIZ RUZMAN AND MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN

Experts cautiously welcome AI and 5G vision KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s

as service interoperability and procurement reform. The digital reforms are aimed at expanding 5G coverage to 98% of residential, industrial and rural areas. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament that the initiative is part of a broader effort to build a strong digital backbone that enables inclusive participation in the AI-driven economy. “This isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s about ensuring that every Malaysian, wherever they are, can take part in the digital future.”

approach GovTech not as a siloed effort, but as a collaborative process. “To realise Malaysia’s ambition as a leading AI-driven nation, GovTech must involve the quadruple helix collaboration (a concept of interaction between major segments of the society) in which the government, industry, academia and civil society are co-creators of public digital services.” He called for structured public private working groups, open innovation models and agile policy frameworks to strengthen areas such

of AI and 5G, empowering businesses and communities alike,” said its chairman Alex Liew. “However, visionary planning alone is not enough – successful execution and robust monitoring are critical.” Liew emphasised the need to bridge infrastructure gaps and digital literacy disparities to ensure broad based inclusion. “Inclusivity must remain a core principle – guaranteeing equitable benefits across all demographics.” He also urged the government to

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) AI manufacturing expert Dr Yupiter HP Manurung. “These are long-term investments that can boost national resilience, but only if matched with strong local capabilities.” The National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) also welcomed the focus on digital transformation in the 13MP. “Pikom applauds the government’s commitment to building a future-ready digital ecosystem that accelerates adoption

ambitious plan to expand 5G coverage and accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has drawn cautious praise from experts who say the country is on the right track but only if gaps in infrastructure, talent and governance are urgently addressed. “In the next five years, we’ll see rapid advancements in technologies like digital twin systems, predictive maintenance and additive manufacturing — all of which rely on fast, stable connectivity,” said

Education push praised, execution crucial

o Landmark RM67b allocation shows strong political will but success hinges on oversight, teacher support and rural reach, say NGOs

care (LTC) service ecosystem. It aims to ensure all Malaysians, regardless of age, have access to high-quality, affordable care. “A dedicated entity will be identified to comprehensively regulate the care ecosystem and new legal instruments will be drafted to ensure uniformity in care policies and regulations.” Anwar also said to further support the care economy, social protection incentives and benefits will be extended to caregivers and LTC service workers. just an administrative role. “Its main job shouldn’t be limited to coordination. It must actively monitor outcomes, hold institutions accountable, and provide evidence based guidance to adapt reforms as needed. “The council needs diverse, non political representation, transparency in decision-making and the authority to intervene when implementation falls short. Without safeguards, there’s a risk it could become just another bureaucratic layer rather than a driver of meaningful change.” Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) chairperson Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the budget reflects the government’s prioritisation of education – but urged that focus shift from allocation to impact. “The RM67 billion reflects that education is a national priority, but how the money is spent matters far more than the amount itself.” She said investments in teacher training, curriculum reform, digital infrastructure, inclusive education and early childhood development will pay off only if outcomes are tracked and gaps addressed. “Malaysia must prioritise rural and underserved areas for compulsory preschool from age five by expanding infrastructure, sending qualified teachers, giving financial aid, engaging communities and using flexible teaching models to ensure all children have access. “Effective implementation will require collaboration between federal, state and local governments, alongside civil society and the private sector.”

PETALING JAYA: The government’s RM67 billion education allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan has been widely welcomed as a bold move to fix long-standing weaknesses in Malaysia’s school system, but experts say money alone won’t be enough. National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said the funding signals strong political will to tackle critical issues like dilapidated infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms. Still, he stressed that effective execution is what will determine success. “While the RM67 billion allocation is impressive, real impact depends on how well these plans are carried out on the ground. “Without strong implementation, consistent monitoring and real support for teachers and schools, especially in rural and underserved areas, there’s a risk the reforms may fall short of their potential.” Among the plan’s major targets is boosting enrolment to 98% for both preschool and secondary school. Teh called this goal “ambitious but not impossible,” noting that Malaysia is already close to the mark for secondary education. “With sustained outreach, improved retention efforts and support for at-risk students, it’s within reach.” However, he warned that

He said the policy shift is necessary to reflect demographic realities. “Malaysia has been an ageing nation since 2021 and is expected to become an aged nation as early as 2043. “The transition will demand greater financial commitment.” He said the government has formulated the National Ageing Blueprint 2025–2045, a long-term strategic plan to address challenges of an ageing population. “Focus will be on building a more efficient and sustainable long-term preschool enrolment remains a tougher nut to crack, especially in lower-income and remote areas. “It is more challenging, particularly in rural and lower income areas where access, affordability and awareness are barriers. “Making preschool compulsory from age five is a positive step, but its success will depend on sufficient qualified teachers, accessible centres and inclusive outreach efforts.” Teh also welcomed the government’s plan to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology and Mathematics) digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) education in schools, saying it’s a timely step toward preparing students for the future workforce. “Students today will face a job market that is expected to be vastly different in the future. “But to truly prepare students for the future, reforms must go beyond updated syllabuses. Teachers need proper training, schools require adequate facilities and all students – regardless of where they live – must have equal access to quality education. “It is a promising step, but the real challenge is ensuring that no student is left behind as these changes take shape.” Teh also urged the government to empower the proposed National Education Council with more than

13MP targets ageing challenges PETALING JAYA: The government will review the mandatory retirement age as part of wider efforts to adapt to the country’s transition into an ageing nation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

“To increase the participation of senior citizens, the Orang Asli and persons with disabilities (PWD) in the labour market, adequate support and training will be provided through the Academy in Industry programme, the National PWD Action Plan and incentives for employers.”

theSun graphics by Harith Kamal