Malaysia Needs 341,200 RSET Professionals by 2030 for High-Tech Industries

Malaysia requires an estimated 341,200 Research Scientists, Engineers, and Technologists (RSET) by 2030 to fuel its high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and green technology. This projection is based on the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021-2030, which aims for a ratio of 200 RSET professionals for every 10,000 workers.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Adam Adli Abdul Halim, explained in the Dewan Rakyat that the DSTIN's human capital development approach focuses on building a comprehensive RSET ecosystem rather than setting absolute numbers for specific engineering disciplines. He stated that with an projected national workforce of around 17.06 million, the target translates to the need for approximately 341,200 RSET personnel.

Data from the MyMOHES system for 2023 to March 2026 shows that out of 556,556 diploma and first-degree students entering public higher education institutions (IPTA), 326,419 students, or 58.6%, are pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The remaining 41.4% chose non-STEM disciplines. Adam Adli highlighted that these statistics demonstrate IPTA's continued focus on developing STEM talent, aligning with national requirements and future industry demands.

The Ministry of Higher Education is committed to strengthening the higher education ecosystem. This includes ensuring that program offerings, institutional capacities, and talent development remain synchronized with industry needs and national development aspirations. The goal is to cultivate a workforce equipped for the evolving technological landscape.