By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 26: Sarawak must develop a skilled workforce in data accumulation and separation to keep up with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He pointed out that AI operates using algorithms and mathematics, processing vast amounts of information to generate insights.
“There are certain segments of data that require expertise to separate and combine them.
“This is another area of IT (information technology) where we need skilled professionals to manage data separation and accumulation that will shape the way we will live in the future,” he said when officiating Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak’s (CENTEXS) 9th convocation ceremony at the institution today.
He further highlighted the transformative impact of AI in healthcare, noting that AI-powered medical devices can analyse patient conditions and even prescribe medication.
“There is now a machine in healthcare that can scan your body and analyse what has happened to you using AI. It can even prescribe the necessary medication.
“If that happens, the doctors will be out of jobs. However, you still need a doctor to verify the outcome of this technology,” he added.
Taking place from February 26 to 28, CENTEXS’ 9th convocation ceremony will award industry-based competency certificates to a total of 2,043 graduates from the Industry Academy (IA) and Digital Academy (DA), including 1,624 graduates from the Industry and ESG Academy (IESGA) and 419 graduates from the Digital and Green Energy Academy (DGEA).
During the event, Abang Johari also witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between CENTEXS and its strategic partners, namely Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), Maragang Green Valley Dairy Sdn Bhd (MGVD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Sarawak Energy Berhad, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS), Sarawak River Board (SRB), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Bintulu Port Authority, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), and Dynamik Technologies and Knowledge Grid International Sdn Bhd.
He also officiated the launching of CENTEXS Rocket Saturn V Replica and Aerospace Academy Dua.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; CENTEXS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani; and CENTEXS chief executive officer (CEO) Dato Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman. – DayakDaily
