MCMC to embark on training programmes related to technical codes
11 Oct 2023, The Edge Malaysia
MCMC chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus said the move is meant to enhance the quality and reliability of information and communications technology (ICT) services in the country.
“Within the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, there are provisions that we (stakeholders) can develop together in industry technical codes that can be used by consumers and also the industry,” he said at the Capacity Development Conference 2023 (CDC23) here on Wednesday.
He noted that the MCMC also fosters collaboration with the Manpower Department for the development of industry-driven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to be adopted by the Industrial Training Institute for telecommunications-related courses.
Meanwhile, Mohd Ali said issues of skilled and workforce readiness for ICT are not limited to Malaysia, as many countries are also facing potential skilled workforce shortages, which may negatively impact a country’s economic growth and development efforts.
Citing International Data Corporation, he said around 60% to 80% of Asia-Pacific organisations find it difficult or extremely difficult to fill vacancies in many IT roles, including security, developers and data professionals.
“About 53% of Asia-Pacific organisations are taking three to four months longer compared to a year ago to fill technology roles,” he said.
Touching on the MCMC’s initiatives, Mohd Ali said there are 911 Digital Economy Centres (PEDi) accessible to many communities across the country to date, with over 25,000 PEDi entrepreneurs successfully undergoing training and onboarding to the digital economy.
He also noted that close to RM4 million worth of research grants had been distributed under the previous Networked Media Research Collaboration Programme and the current Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) programme, which had generated over 50 completed research projects.
The CDC23 is a two-day conference seeking to address, explore, and find solutions for the skill requirements and preparedness of the workforce in the telecommunications and ICT fields.
The conference also allows participants from various agencies, such as the government, industry players, private entities and academia, to share ideas, gain insights, connect and foster collaboration for capacity development for the telecommunications and ICT industry.