Selangor is intensifying efforts to groom local talent in AI and data centres through industry-academia partnerships after drawing nearly RM70 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026.
PETALING JAYA: Selangor is stepping up efforts to develop local talent in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres as the state recorded nearly RM70 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, driven largely by the services sector.
More than 90% of the approved investments between January and June came from the services sector, led by information and communications technology (ICT), highlighting the growing demand for skilled workers to support the state’s expanding digital economy.
To address this demand, the state government is strengthening industry-academia collaboration through initiatives such as the Selangor Career Outreach (SCOUT) University Series, which connects university students with industry players and emerging career opportunities.
The fifth edition of the programme, focusing on AI and data centres, was held at Sunway University and organised by Invest Selangor Berhad in collaboration with the university’s School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence.
The programme featured industry representatives from NEXTDC and UST Malaysia, who shared insights into the skills, competencies and career pathways available in the rapidly expanding sectors.
Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility Ng Sze Han said the initiative was part of efforts to bring career opportunities directly to students through closer engagement with industry.
“In early October, our SCOUT Talent Expo at KLCC brought together more than 140 companies and over 10,000 job vacancies. But one big expo is not enough. So we took SCOUT on the road, campus by campus,” he said.
The initiative supports the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) 2026-2030, which identifies the digital economy as a key driver of economic growth under its mission to advance Selangor’s economic leadership.
The state government aims to improve productivity through innovation and resource optimisation while strengthening local enterprises and developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry requirements.
Previous editions of the SCOUT University Series focused on aerospace at Universiti Putra Malaysia, life sciences at Universiti Selangor, electrical and electronics at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, and rail at Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam.
The latest session also highlighted Sunway University’s role in developing digital talent following the establishment of its School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence in November 2025.
Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Professor Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee said collaboration with industry was essential in preparing students for emerging careers.
“At Sunway University, we believe in bringing industry closer to our students through meaningful collaborations and real-world exposure. We are pleased to partner with Invest Selangor on this initiative, which opens up more opportunities for our students to explore emerging careers and better prepare themselves for the future workforce,” she said.
BOOSTING LOCAL INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION
Beyond developing talent, Selangor is also seeking to ensure local businesses benefit from investments in the digital economy.
Under the state’s Local Economic Development (LED) policy, new data centre investments are required to achieve at least 30% local content, creating opportunities for domestic companies, technology providers and workers to participate in the sector’s value chain.
The state is also strengthening its semiconductor talent pipeline through the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM), which has trained more than 800 participants in areas including chip design.
According to the state government, the programme has recorded a 100% job placement rate.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia IC Design Park in Puchong is supporting the development of local semiconductor engineering capabilities, with Malaysians accounting for 95% of its engineers.
Invest Selangor has also launched the Invest Selangor Support Network (ISSN), a digital directory and business-matching platform connecting incoming investors with vetted local professional service providers.
The initiative aims to improve investors’ access to local expertise and facilitate the establishment and operations of investment projects in the state.
Through collaboration between the state government, universities and industry players, Selangor aims to ensure local talent and businesses are better positioned to benefit from the growing demand for emerging technologies.
