Malaysia’s state-owned agency, CENTEX (Center for Technology Excellence Sarawak), has announced a bigger partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to offer more skills training. This effort will support Sarawak’s goal of becoming Malaysia’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) state by 2027.
This expanded program builds on the success of the 2024 CENTEXS AI training, where 32 local talents were certified in AWS Cloud, Architecture, and AI/Machine Learning. In a statement on Monday, CENTEX and AWS said this shows their strong commitment to growing Sarawak’s AI skills.
According to the statement, in 2025, AWS will launch three special AI training programs with CENTEXS: short AI courses for 60 top-level leaders, AI certification training for 80 government workers, and advanced machine learning and data engineering courses for 120 university graduates.
Graduates of the advanced program will join the AWS Guild Generative AI Incubator at the new CENTEXS Invention & Innovation Center, opening in August 2025. There, they will work on creating AI solutions with guidance from AWS and plan to launch their projects within four months.
As part of the Sarawak Digital Economic Blueprint 2030, the state plans to shift from a resource-based economy to one that is more environmentally friendly and driven by technology.
The training program meets the urgent need for AI skills in government agencies by offering a full approach that includes courses for leaders, professional certifications, and advanced tech training.
This well-organized plan helps Sarawak develop both strong leadership knowledge and the technical skills needed to use AI in a lasting and effective way.
This program will improve how the state government works by using connected digital services, making things easier for citizens and helping government agencies work more efficiently.
“Sarawak is at an exciting turning point in its digital progress. Its focus on building digital skills and speeding up the use of AI in the public sector sets a solid base for future innovation and change.”
“Through our expanded collaboration with CENTEX, AWS will help realize this vision by training professionals and enabling them to develop practical AI solutions that will drive meaningful impact for Sarawak’s citizens,” said Eric Conrad, Regional
Managing Director, Worldwide Public Sector ASEAN at AWS.
Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman, CEO of CENTEXS, said the Innovation Center opening in August will use Generative AI, machine learning, and DevOps to create useful AI solutions for important industries.
“Through partnerships with AWS, Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), and industry experts, we’ll create targeted solutions for government services and industries including energy, agriculture, media, and other sectors,” he added.
The program also helps achieve the goals of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 (SDE 2030), which include economic growth, modernization, improved efficiency, and increased income, according to the statement.
CENTEX, previously called the Center of Technical Excellence Sarawak, was set up by the Sarawak State Government through Yayasan Sarawak on October 1, 2014.
The agency is responsible for training young people and improving the skills of the workforce to meet technology needs and current demands. It offers lifelong learning opportunities, focusing on Sarawak but also serving people in Malaysia and around the world.
The training program covers various industries, including energy, lifestyle and heritage, environmental sustainability, mining, construction and manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, digital, agriculture, and aerospace.
CENTEX also helps graduates with their careers after they finish the training.
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