Malaysia’s future depends on its ability to embrace sustainable innovation. As the nation tackles challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and energy efficiency, mechatronics – a multidisciplinary field integrating mechanical, electrical, and software engineering – has emerged as a critical enabler of progress. Within this field, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming industries, driving automation, and addressing pressing societal challenges.
However, a shortage of skilled engineers threatens Malaysia’s ability to advance in sustainable technology. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted that Malaysia faces a deficit of over 30,000 engineers, a gap that must be urgently addressed to ensure the nation’s global competitiveness. This shortage underscores the need for engineering education that goes beyond traditional disciplines, integrating AI, robotics, and real-world industry collaboration to produce future-ready graduates.