Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, has urged students to cultivate curiosity and develop literacy in artificial intelligence (AI) to stay adaptable amid rapid technological changes reshaping industries. Speaking to over 430 students at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) Kampar Campus on August 6, Chang emphasized the need for continuous learning as a critical approach to keeping pace with evolving fields.
The event, part of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s (Mosti) TechTalks Series 3/2026, gathered government officials, academic leaders, industry experts, and students to discuss the future trajectory of Malaysia’s semiconductor sector. Chang highlighted that AI technologies are increasingly integrated across various fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, education, and business, underscoring the importance for students from diverse academic backgrounds to understand how such innovations impact their disciplines.
“STEM education should extend beyond technical skills to foster adaptability and interdisciplinary application of knowledge,” he said, calling for educational approaches that prepare students not just to use emerging technologies but to innovate with them.
Addressing Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, Chang outlined the government’s goal of advancing beyond manufacturing to establish capabilities in technology creation and innovation. He noted that attracting new investments, enhancing specialised training programs, and fostering strategic partnerships are central to building a resilient, competitive semiconductor ecosystem.
“These measures aim to create a future-ready sector that provides new opportunities for Malaysia’s next generation of talent to contribute meaningfully to technological development,” Chang added.
The minister also noted ongoing efforts to boost enrolment in science and technology fields, collaborating closely with universities and industry players to ensure a strong talent pipeline supports Malaysia’s expanding high-tech landscape.
Following Chang’s remarks, Tan Soon Keong, senior director at Infineon Technologies Kulim, shared insights on current developments and opportunities within Malaysia’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. The session concluded with a moderated dialogue and question-and-answer forum led by UTAR lecturer Dr Loh Siu Hong, with both Chang and Tan participating as panelists.
UTAR described the event as a valuable platform for students to engage directly with policymakers and industry leaders, enhancing their understanding of the intricate links between education, technological advancement, and industry demands. The university highlighted that such interactions enrich classroom learning by exposing students to practical insights and encouraging critical thinking about emerging technological trends.
Also attending the session were UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat; Mosti deputy secretary-general Datin Safida Zalma Mohd Piah; Mosti deputy undersecretary Nani Rahayu Sudin; and the dean of UTAR’s Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun.