Gamuda AI Academy Set to be Game-Changer

Gamuda, one of the region’s renowned infrastructure groups, is set to revolutionise the construction and engineering industry in Malaysia, with the unveiling of the Gamuda AI Academy.

This cutting-edge initiative aimed at transforming the industry through artificial intelligence (AI), will be launched in September this year.

This move highlights Gamuda’s strategic shift towards digital innovation and its dedication to advancing Malaysia’s engineering sector, while aligning with the broader strategy of supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation goals and building a future-ready workforce.

With the establishment of the academy, Gamuda is making significant strides in bridging the AI talent gap by fostering a new generation of skilled professionals and AI innovators through robust, integrated courses.

This initiative supports Malaysia’s digital economy blueprint, reflecting the company’s commitment to advancing the nation’s engineering sector through digital innovation.

Introduced in 2021, the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint seeks to draw billions in digital investments, aiming to elevate the digital economy to 22.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The Gamuda AI Academy, open to students, graduates, industry professionals and even start-up founders, introduces a state-of-the-art training programme designed to equip those interested with advanced AI skills.

Adopting a hands-on learning approach, prospective students will gain expertise in three key areas of full stack AI development, which encompass front-end, back-end and AI.

Additionally, the personal development syllabus at the academy covers key areas including communication and presentation skills, creative problem-solving and innovative thinking. These elements are designed to bolster both professional and personal abilities, preparing participants to excel and adapt within the AI industry.

Over a rigorous three-month curriculum, participants will engage in hands-on labs and a capstone project, with the option to extend their training through a three-month internship with Gamuda or its partners.

Gamuda AI Academy also leverages Google Cloud’s capabilities to rapidly develop and deploy infinitely scalable solutions, enhanced by Gamuda’s advanced use cases including the award-winning autonomous tunnel boring machine (TBM) and Building Information Modelling Augmented Reality (BIMAR).

Currently, Gamuda project directors lead clients through virtual sites using BIMAR before construction begins.

Designers collaborate on digital blueprints with global counterparts through advanced cloud platforms, while site engineers remotely oversee projects. Notably, autonomous TBMs like ‘Betty’ and ‘Dorothy’ are carving through the earth at depths of 38m with minimal human intervention.

Gamuda’s group chief digital officer, John Lim Ji Xiong says, the academy is designed to help individuals capitalise on AI’s tremendous potential.

“As Gamuda takes the step to forge a new generation of skilled professionals and AI innovators, it demonstrates that the private sector is invested in bridging the AI talent gap, in line with the national digital transformation roadmap,” adds Lim.

Google Cloud Malaysia country manager Patrick Wee expresses pride in partnering with visionary companies like Gamuda that are revolutionising traditional industries through digital advancements.

“The Gamuda AI Academy initiative further demonstrates their commitment to fostering AI literacy and driving industry-wide innovation.

“This exemplifies how cloud technology and AI can create new opportunities for growth and efficiency and a new generation of AI innovators,” Wee notes.

The Gamuda AI Academy is a culmination of the group’s track record in upskilling its talent and supply chain. From GET to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) courses, Gamuda’s people development initiatives are gaining increasing traction.

As AI advances, Lim envisions a growing role for the academy. “We can position Malaysia as a global AI talent hub”