CADS and PSDC to elevate expertise in AI

• PSDC will develop the first AI Workforce Analytics platform in the Northern Region
• There is a need to create an environment for human talent to reach their potential

IN SUPPORT of “Industry4WRD”, Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 blueprint that aims to make Malaysia a prime destination for high-tech industries, the Center of Applied Data Science (CADS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) on Nov 13.

CADS aims to make the world more self-sustainable through technology, insights and intelligence as Asean’s first and only comprehensive data science training institution, where learning, networking and professional growth is integrated.

As part of its collaboration with CADS, PSDC will be developing the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workforce Analytics platform that will drive skills development AI within the Northern Region.

The MOU was signed between CADS founder and chief executive officer Sharala Axryd, and PSDC chief executive officer Muhammad Ali Hajah Mydin. The signing of the MOU, which was witnessed by Chow Kon Yeow, Penang Chief Minister, also involves other data science-related initiatives to make Penang a Data-Driven State.

Sharala said, “The MOU signed today puts in place the necessary foundation required to drive the entire eco-system in the Northern Region towards achieving the country’s goals vis-a-vis Industry 4.0.

“Our role in this collaboration will be to utilise and strengthen the AI Talent Framework that we have developed in order to better facilitate the move towards AI adoption. At the same time, CADS, with the support of PSDC, is able to assist organisations and industries to embrace data science and analytics in order to future-proof businesses and operating models through the use of our AI Workforce Analytics platform.”

The MOU was signed during Industry 4.0 Week, a conference organised annually by PSDC to drive market adoption of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies for manufacturers, suppliers, vendors, system integrators and consumers.

This year’s theme, ‘Start Small, Win Big’ focuses on success stories of local industries and SMEs, while addressing major concerns of the SMEs as they embrace technologies and solutions in relation with the industry evolution.

Muhammad Ali said, “We are excited to be working with CADS in bringing together technology companies and service providers to work on state-of-the-art solutions that can address major problems as well as identify areas of opportunity.  

“PSDC’s efforts also are a showcase of the Government’s commitment to support the transition and migration to Industry 4.0, now Industry4WRD as announced in Budget 2019. Clever public private partnerships like our collaboration with CADS will be critical to the Northern Region, so as to maintain its position as the centre of gravity for technology-oriented companies the world over,” he concluded. 

With the MOU in place, CADS and PSDC will contribute towards strengthening the innovation capacity and capability of the country; proven by the improved ranking of Malaysia as part of the top 30 of the world’s most innovative economies by the Global Innovation Index.

Additionally, the implementation of the MOU will contribute to the increase in high-skilled workers, especially within the manufacturing sector, in line with the Government's target to reach 35% of high-skilled workers in Malaysia, as opposed to only 18% currently.

Sharala added, “As part of the industry, there is a need for us to create an environment for our human talent to reach their potential. Only by embracing this new digital economy and encouraging entrepreneurship along with innovation and creativity will we be able to experience a strong and dynamic economic growth.”