Juniper
Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Human Resources (centre) officiated the opening of the BICSI Southeast Asia Conference & Exhibition Malaysia 2026 accompanied by John H. Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of BICSI, and Mary Elizabeth Cheng, Director of the BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate, as well as representatives from leading government agencies and industry associations
Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading digital infrastructure hub in Southeast Asia gained further momentum with the opening of the BICSI Southeast Asia Conference & Exhibition Malaysia 2026, as government and industry leaders highlighted the urgent need to develop a highly skilled workforce to support the country’s growing artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and data centre ecosystem.
Officiated by Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, the two-day conference at Sunway Resort Hotel brought together ICT infrastructure professionals, engineers, consultants, technology providers, data centre operators, policymakers and business leaders from across Southeast Asia under the theme “Advancing ICT Infrastructure for the AI-Connected Future.”
BICSI’s Southeast Asia Conference is presented through the BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate, operated by Tecnoviq Learning Academy Sdn Bhd (TECLA) under an exclusive Affiliate license from BICSI, with event delivery support from Global Creative & Media Agency (GCMA). This marks the second time the conference has been held in Malaysia, reflecting the country’s growing role in the regional digital economy.
The event received strong support from the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), alongside strategic partners including the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Invest Selangor Berhad, Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and Cyberview, as well as industry organisations such as the SME Association of Malaysia, the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) and the Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce (MDCC).
The conference comes at a time when Malaysia continues to attract significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and hyperscale data centres. As approved investments surpassed RM92.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026, including RM38.9 billion in the ICT sector per the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and national data centre capacity is projected to exceed 4,000MW beyond 2026, the need for a highly skilled ICT workforce has become increasingly critical. Demand continues to grow for professionals with expertise in data centre engineering, cloud infrastructure, network architecture, cybersecurity and sustainable ICT infrastructure.
At the same time, TalentCorp’s Impact Study on AI, Digital and Green Economy estimates that around 697,000 Malaysian workers could face significant job-transition risks over the next three to five years due to automation, reinforcing the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling.
In his officiating address, Datuk Khairul Firdaus said the growth of AI and digital infrastructure must be supported by investments in both technology and talent.
“Today, artificial intelligence is transforming every sector, but AI does not operate in isolation. Every AI application depends on secure data centres, high-speed fibre networks, structured cabling systems, cloud infrastructure and resilient communications networks.
“In other words, there is no AI economy without world-class ICT infrastructure, and there is no world-class ICT infrastructure without world-class talent.”
He added that while Malaysia’s ability to attract hyperscale data centre and digital infrastructure investments was a positive development, the country’s long-term success would depend on producing skilled Malaysian talent capable of designing, building, operating and maintaining these systems.
Mary Elizabeth Cheng, Director of the BICSI Southeast Asia Affiliate, said Malaysia’s rapid growth in AI, hyperscale data centres, cloud computing and digital connectivity made it an ideal host for the conference.
“As Southeast Asia, and Malaysia in particular, continues to experience rapid growth in AI, hyperscale data centres, cloud computing and digital connectivity, the need for internationally recognised standards, quality training and professional certification has never been more important.”
Meanwhile, BICSI CEO John H. Daniels said, “Malaysia’s growth as a digital infrastructure hub will be measured not only by the facilities it builds, but by the capability of the workforce behind them. AI, cloud computing and data centre operations all depend on ICT infrastructure that is designed, installed, tested and maintained with discipline. That requires shared standards, strong education and certifications that make professional competence visible.
“BICSI is pleased to support this regional conversation because reliable infrastructure does not happen by accident. It is built by qualified people using proven methods, working with integrity and focused on the communities, businesses and public services that depend on connected systems every day.”
The two-day conference features keynote presentations, technical sessions, expert forums and networking engagements covering AI-ready infrastructure, advanced fibre connectivity, structured cabling, liquid cooling technologies, edge computing, smart buildings, cybersecurity and sustainable data centre design. The accompanying exhibition showcases solutions from leading global and regional technology companies shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
For more information, visit bicsi-sea.org.
