Fifteen government officers from various departments and Ministries graduated recently from the inaugural ‘ACE: Navigating the Digital Frontier for Smart Government’ programme, co-organised by Multimedia University (MMU) and ZTE Malaysia. 

The graduation ceremony, held in Beijing, underscored ZTE’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation and 5G goals, which align with Malaysia’s ambition to accelerate its adoption of advanced technologies.

Kicking off in May this year, the six-month programme aimed to bridge academic expertise with industry insights, equipping participants with essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and cybersecurity - crucial areas supporting Malaysia’s future-ready, connected society.

The programme also supports the visionary goal championed by the Malaysia government to make Malaysia a leader in AI and digital innovation in Southeast Asia and supporting the government’s commitment to utilise AI for the people to create opportunities of a digital future.

Yusri Razalli, Senior Deputy Director of Malaysia’s Public Service Department, expressed his appreciation to MMU and ZTE for their commitment and cooperation in supporting this programme, emphasising its significant role in enabling government officers to deliver the best for the people through digital innovation and AI.

“The main objective of this programme is to equip government officers with the skills to embrace the latest digital initiatives, which in turn improves the efficiency of government service delivery,” he said during his speech at the graduation ceremony.

Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, said that the programme was significant to continue Malaysia’s digital trajectory as the programme participants will play a vital role in advancing digital governance and AI adoption within the public sector.

He said, "With Malaysia achieving over 80% 5G population coverage and ranking among the top globally for 5G speeds, and with the forthcoming introduction of a second 5G network, the ACE programme is crucial in equipping our public sector with the necessary skills to navigate and lead in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“The ACE programme exemplifies ZTE’s investment not only in infrastructure but also in human capital. Through our collaboration with MMU, we believe that a practical, hands-on approach will help Malaysia build a future-ready digital ecosystem,” he said.

“We view this as a crucial step in developing a skilled workforce capable of maximising the benefits of 5G technology and addressing the complexities of digital transformation,” Ge said.

He further noted that ZTE has had collaborations with local telecommunications providers over the last two decades and this underscored the company’s dedication to enhancing Malaysia’s current and future connectivity capabilities.

The programme began with a preparatory session at MMU, followed by a five-month industry-focused curriculum that included workshops, case studies, and visits to 22 leading tech companies in China.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dato' Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su'ud, President of MMU, said, “The completion of the ACE programme’s inaugural run marks a significant step in our mission to blend academic excellence with practical industry experience.

“Our collaboration with ZTE has empowered participants with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of digital transformation especially in areas like public service which requires a cross section of departments and Ministries working together”, he said.

One participant, Dr. Muhammad Hakimi bin Mohd Hussain, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Local Government Development, reflected on the programme’s impact.

“Learning directly from ZTE and top companies and universities in China has expanded our view on modernising urban management. The collaboration between ZTE, MMU, and JPA uniquely blends public sector expertise with industry insights, equipping us with vital skills to advance digital transformation in Malaysia,” he said.

Nuraizah binti Mohd Zam, the Senior Training Consultant at National Institute of Public Administration, who was also a participant of ACE programme expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. 

“Participating in the programme has significantly enhanced my knowledge of digital governance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity”, she added.

Representatives from nine different ministry departments were carefully selected by the Public Service Department Malaysia (JPA) to ensure that the initiative aligns with the government's efforts to enhance public service through digital innovation and AI, highlighted the broad commitment across ministries to drive digital transformation.

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