Ericsson and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) have re partnered to prepare Malaysian students and workforce for the digital economy.

Ericsson will provide access to its global Ericsson Education 21st Century Technology course, a free, self paced online learning program aimed at enhancing the skills of the Malaysian workforce and higher education students interested in all subjects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

This project aims to help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, enabling them to adapt to the digital economy.

The course content is designed for students and professionals who wish to acquire or enhance skills in fields such as 5G and telecommunications, as well as related technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning. Students who complete the assessment at the end of the course will receive a digital badge from Ericsson.

Working adults interested in this program can register on the Workforce Program, while students can register on the MY5G Pioneer Program.

David H ä gerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, said, “Malaysia now has a world-class 5G network, providing strong digital infrastructure that can drive its ambition to become a leading digital nation. This is expected to become a catalyst for digital transformation in Malaysia and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. To drive the country’s digital transformation, it is necessary to develop the knowledge and skills of its students and workforce in 5G and related technologies. Cooperation with MDEC will help provide the skills needed for Malaysia’s workforce to engage in these jobs.”

5G will enhance automation, robotics, and the Internet of Things in the manufacturing industry, strengthen Malaysia’s strong adoption of Industry 4.0, and position it as a high-tech hub. It will also bridge the urban-rural gap, create thousands of job opportunities, and promote high skilled employment. A report by Ernst&Young predicts that by 2030, 5G will increase Malaysia’s GDP by 5% (RM122 billion).

MDEC CEO Ts Mahadhir Aziz emphasized the importance of re establishing a partnership with Ericsson to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation. The collaboration with Ericsson is a crucial step in providing our students and employees with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.

Ts. Mahadhir Aziz said, “By providing Ericsson Education’s comprehensive learning resources for free, we not only bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demand, but also cultivate a strong talent pipeline that will support Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading digital nation. This initiative will enable our people to master cutting-edge technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence, ensuring they are fully prepared for future high-tech jobs and contribute to the country’s economic growth and innovation.”

David H ä gerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC, chaired the formal memorandum of understanding exchange for cooperation. YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Affairs, and His Excellency Michalis Rokas, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Malaysia, witnessed the event together.

This exchange was held at an event organized by the Malaysian European Chamber of Commerce, during which another important memorandum of understanding was exchanged between the Malaysian European Chamber of Commerce and MDEC to strengthen and consolidate cooperation in the field of digital economy, and promote mutually beneficial relationships between the Malaysian digital ecosystem and the European business community.