Press release
17 Jan 2025 

Penang Skills Development Centre and EY collaborate to advance AI adoption

Press Contact

The Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) and Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd. (EY) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) for the workforce in the northern region.

This MoU establishes a foundation for collaboration to explore opportunities in sharing content and knowledge on Responsible AI, exchanging approaches, potentially hosting an AI hackathon to address real-world issues, and jointly creating awareness and developing skills for neurodivergent individuals in this field.

Yang Berhormat Steven Sim Chee Keong, the Minister of Human Resources, witnessed the exchange of the MoU between the two parties.

YB Steven Sim said, “I am pleased to see the MoU between PSDC and EY aligning with the Government's efforts to cultivate a resilient and robust workforce for the future. This MoU is a strategic complement to our national initiatives, ensuring that the adoption of AI is undertaken ethically and with the utmost responsibility.

“It is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction, reinforcing our commitment to equipping our workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven future. I commend PSDC and EY for their foresight and dedication to this cause, which is crucial for the sustainable development and competitiveness of Malaysia's economy”

Dato’ Abdul Rauf Rashid, Malaysia Managing Partner, Ernst & Young PLT said, “This MoU underscores the importance to explore opportunities in fostering a workforce that is ready for the future. It demonstrates our commitment to nurturing a new generation of AI-savvy professionals, equipped to propel our industries forward, particularly in the northern region of our country. Through this joint effort, we are not only shaping the technological landscape but also ensuring that our national talent pool, including the neurodivergent, is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow with innovation, ethics, and a spirit of responsible stewardship.”

Dr. Hari Narayanan, CEO of PSDC said, “PSDC is dedicated to driving AI adoption by companies through the establishment of an AI academy. We are delighted to collaborate with EY on Responsible AI, the AI Hackathon and neurodiversity in AI. These programs certainly widen the scope of AI's impact and aid in PSDC’s endeavors to drive innovation, inclusivity and meaningful contributions to the local ecosystem.”

The ceremony was held at the EY Talent and AI Forum, which focused on 'Accelerating Workforce Transformation Through AI.' The Forum discussed the impact of AI, digitalization and the green economy on the Malaysian workforce with a focus on the northern region. More than 200 C-suite executives, directors, and senior management from over 150 organisations attended the Forum.

The event featured a presentation by TalentCorp on the key findings from an Impact Study of AI, digital and the green economy launched by YB Steven Sim in November 2024, a fireside chat with YB Steven Sim and a panel discussion with representatives from PSDC, the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, SAP and EY.

END

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