JS-SEZ: Johor’s rural communities will produce AI, digital literate workforce

JOHOR BAHRU: The implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will see a drastic transformation of the rural landscape in the state through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and a macro-scale digital economy starting from the grassroots level. This strategic move is to ensure that economic spillover from the international special zone is not only concentrated in urban areas, but also empowers rural communities as a competitive value chain. Pekan Nanas State Assemblyman (ADUN) Tan Eng Meng said domestic preparations need to start now as several rural and suburban areas in Pontian are now within the impact perimeter of the mega economic corridor. He said, for example, Pekan Nanas, traditionally an agricultural area, is now experiencing a rapid transition to a sector based on industry, logistics and high-tech services. "The geographical location close to rapidly developing hubs such as Iskandar Puteri and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) places this rural area as a critical spillover zone. "Therefore, the local market, including rural small and medium-sized industry (SME) players, is being driven aggressively to apply the digital economy through collaboration with Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) , " he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama Radio for the Johor Tersohor segment, yesterday. Commenting on the modernisation of the agro-food sector, Tan said the automation and agricultural technology (Agrotech) agenda is now being streamlined to ensure that traditional farmers are able to integrate with the JS-SEZ supply chain standards without experiencing technological shock. Apart from the economic sector, the surge in highly skilled human capital has also begun at the primary school level through collaboration with the Pontian District Education Office (PPD) to expose students to the AI ​​ecosystem and strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The move is in line with the country's aspirations to produce a future workforce that meets the needs of foreign investors under the framework of the special economic zone. However, Tan assured that the passion for pursuing the status of a modern economic province will not sideline the agenda of the social safety net at the rural level. "Rural infrastructure development remains a priority to ensure that connectivity access is always balanced with urban areas. At the same time, the welfare of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities (OKU) and homeless patients will continue to be guaranteed through targeted support programmes so that no one is left out of this modernisation trend," he said. He said that aggressive efforts to attract new investments to the corridor will continue to be intensified to open up more quality job opportunities to increase the baseline income of the local community. -- NAMED

JOHOR BAHRU: The implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will see a drastic transformation of the rural landscape in the state through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and a macro-scale digital economy starting from the grassroots level. This strategic move is to ensure that economic spillover from the international special zone […]

China-Malaysia Cooperation Key To Digital Economy Growth – Teo

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 -- Malaysia has invited Chinese enterprises to deepen cooperation with local companies in advanced digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G applications and clean energy solutions as the country continues to strengthen its digital economy ecosystem. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said international collaboration remained a core driver of Malaysia’s digital economy growth and bilateral cooperation with China had continued to expand. “At the same time, Malaysia continues to welcome international collaboration as a core driver of our digital economy. We warmly invite Chinese enterprises to deepen cooperation with Malaysian counterparts in areas such as advanced digital technologies, artificial intelligence, 5G applications and clean energy solutions,” she said in her speech at the 2026 China Smart Industry Trade Exhibition here today. Also present were Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and China Entrepreneurs' Association in Malaysia (PUCM) president Datuk Keith Li. Teo said enterprises from both countries should leverage their complementary strengths and work closely together to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. “We encourage enterprises from both countries to learn from one another, leverage complementary strengths, and work in close partnership to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to our people,” she said. She said China had remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with cooperation in smart technology and the digital economy growing from strength to strength. “Both nations share complementary strengths, with China bringing advanced tech innovation, while Malaysia offers a strategic ASEAN hub, digital infrastructure and a vibrant market,” she said. Teo also welcomed the establishment of the Malaysia-China Digital Economy Alliance, jointly promoted by PUCM, National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) and Silk Road Group. She added that the alliance would serve as a bridge to foster policy alignment, industrial synergy and innovation exchange, while accelerating the deployment of smart technologies and unlocking greater potential for bilateral and regional digital growth. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Malaysia has invited Chinese enterprises to deepen cooperation with local companies in advanced digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G applications and clean energy solutions as the country continues to strengthen its digital economy ecosystem. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said international collaboration remained a core driver of Malaysia’s digital […]

Dr Wan Azizah Urges Youth To Embrace Digital Economy And AI

Dr Wan Azizah Urges Youth To Embrace Digital Economy And AI

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Young people are encouraged to be bold in exploring the digital economy and future technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging and complex world, said Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. The Bandar Tun Razak MP said mastery of innovation and technology is essential […]

Academics See BUDI95 As Potential National Big Data Platform

KUALA LUMPUR — The BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) initiative introduced by the government in Sept 2025 has the potential to evolve into a national-scale data management ecosystem beyond its role as a mechanism to target petrol subsidies. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Department of Computing and Artificial Intelligence senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Shukor Talib, said the initiative represents […]