MICCI Calls On Members To Intensify Investment In Talent And Innovation To Remain Competitive
GEORGE TOWN, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) has called on its members to invest more in talent development and innovation to ensure their businesses remain competitive as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digitalisation continue to transform industries and reshape the future of work.
MICCI Northern Branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi said technological advancement was creating both challenges and opportunities for businesses, with new industries and higher-value employment emerging alongside changes in traditional job roles. He said companies must ensure their workforce is equipped not only with relevant qualifications, but also technical capabilities, creativity, communication skills and the ability to continuously learn and adapt.
"AI, automation and digitalisation will change the nature of work, but they will also create new industries and higher-value employment; our education and training systems must therefore remain closely connected to the actual needs of industry.
"We must equip our young people not only with qualifications, but also with technical capability, creativity, communication skills and the willingness to keep learning,” he said in his speech at the MICCI Northern Branch Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2026 here today.
The dialogue, themed “Beyond 2030: Navigating Global Challenges, Unlocking New Opportunities”, was attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow as the guest of honour.
Tan said businesses needed to look beyond short-term challenges and strengthen their long-term capabilities by embracing innovation, investing in people and adapting to rapid technological changes. The ability to develop skilled talent would be a key factor in determining whether companies could capture new opportunities and maintain their competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global environment, he added.
Tan also called for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a stronger ecosystem for business growth. “The government has an important role in setting direction and creating the right environment, while businesses bring investment, innovation, experience and employment opportunities. Neither sector can achieve its goals alone. Honest and constructive engagement is therefore essential,” he added.
He said continuous dialogue between industry and government was important to ensure policies, infrastructure and support systems remained aligned with the evolving needs of businesses.
MICCI, which has served the business community since 1837 and celebrates its 189th anniversary this year, would continue to act as a bridge between the private sector and government by sharing industry insights and contributing practical solutions, he added.
-- BERNAMA