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Malaysia stands at the cusp of a transformative leap in disaster management, buoyed by the integration of cutting-edge technology, as heralded by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The progressive stride forward materialises through a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) forged between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and a Chinese telecommunications firm.
This strategic alliance is poised to introduce an advanced disaster management system capable of furnishing rapid results for early detection and analysis of critical events such as floods and storms, within an unprecedented 30-second timeframe.
Speaking to the press following the MoU signing ceremony, Zahid underscored the imperative nature of this technological evolution, especially in light of Malaysia’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly as the Northeast and Southwest Monsoons loom on the horizon.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Zahid’s maiden official visit to China, an 11-day diplomatic mission at the invitation of Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, solidifying bilateral ties between the two nations.
The presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Majlis Amanah Rakyat Chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki alongside Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the MoU signing ceremony symbolises a unified approach towards fostering innovation and progress in Malaysia. Their participation underscores the collaborative ethos driving this transformative endeavour, which extends beyond its immediate scope in disaster management.
Discussions transcended the confines of disaster preparedness to explore broader avenues of technological advancement and human capital development. With a keen eye on the future, stakeholders engaged in substantive dialogues concerning the integration of cutting-edge technologies within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) frameworks.
Stressing the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotic systems, the discourse focussed on equipping the Malaysian workforce with the requisite skills and expertise to navigate the complexities of an increasingly digitalised landscape.
This strategic emphasis on technological empowerment reflects Malaysia’s proactive stance in shaping a dynamic and future-ready workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth across diverse sectors of the economy.
Underlining the company’s unwavering commitment to Malaysia’s digital trajectory, Zahid revealed plans for the establishment of a new administrative centre by the telecommunications giant, poised to generate approximately 6,000 employment opportunities in Malaysia’s burgeoning 5G and 5GA ecosystems.
Moreover, the company expressed a resolute dedication to nurturing local talent and fostering digital innovation, aligning with Malaysia’s vision of transitioning into a developed, high-income nation under its digital leadership directive.
Zahid articulated his optimism regarding Malaysia’s partnership with the company, envisioning it as a transformative force for digital technology innovation and the cultivation of a highly skilled workforce poised to spearhead the nation’s digital evolution.
During his visit to the company’s Exhibition Hall, Zahid was treated to a firsthand glimpse of the myriad cutting-edge products and technologies on offer, spanning from government administration digitalisation to smart city intelligence and robust data security measures.
The immersive experience with the latest innovations highlighted Malaysia’s dedication to staying at the forefront of technological progress, showcasing its readiness to embrace digital innovation. Through initiatives like these, Malaysia is positioning itself as a key player in the global digital landscape, demonstrating its commitment to leading the way in the digital era.
OpenGov Asia reported that Selangor had established its District Disaster Operation Centre across several with the aim of fortifying its responsiveness to potential disasters, especially during the monsoon season, with plans to expand to other vulnerable districts in the coming year.
This initiative mirrors Malaysia’s broader commitment to employing advanced technology and data-driven strategies in disaster management, aligning seamlessly with the government’s agenda to enhance public safety and regional preparedness.