Higher Education Ministry targets 30,000 AI graduates by 2030

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 9, 2026

Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry plans to graduate 30,000 students in AI-related fields between 2025 and 2030 by expanding and accrediting AI programmes across public universities. This initiative seeks to equip the workforce with advanced digital skills and position Malaysia as a regional leader in AI talent development.

Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry aims to produce 30,000 graduates in artificial intelligence (AI) fields between 2025 and 2030, as part of a broader initiative to align academic programmes with evolving technological and industrial demands.

Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, the Higher Education Minister, outlined the plan during a parliamentary session in Dewan Rakyat, noting that 11 public universities currently offer 30 AI-related programmes spanning diploma to doctorate levels. These institutions include Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), which have established faculties dedicated to AI, cyber security, and computing.

The ministry’s strategy is grounded in comprehensive reviews of 455 study programmes conducted this year across public universities. These curriculum reviews, overseen by dedicated committees, aim to ensure the academic offerings remain responsive to technological advances, shifts in the industry landscape, and workforce needs.

“For AI-specific programmes, the development and accreditation have been strengthened through the Artificial Intelligence Programme Standards issued by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency,” Dr Zambry said. The standards serve as a benchmark for programme quality and relevance in AI education.

Recognising that AI skills are increasingly relevant across sectors, the ministry plans to integrate AI components into 80% of bachelor’s degree programmes at public universities. Dr Zambry emphasized that AI should not be confined to specialised fields alone but embedded broadly across disciplines. To this end, all public universities already require AI-related courses within their bachelor’s degree curricula, incorporating AI applications into teaching, learning, and research activities.

The focus on AI education is part of Malaysia’s efforts to prepare a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a digital economy and driving innovation through technological proficiency. The expansion of AI courses, facilities, and accreditation processes aims to position the country as a regional hub for AI talent development going forward.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.