Johor Talent Development Council and Alibaba subsidiary sign MoU to establish AI Centre of Excellence in Medini and train 200 AI design experts from 2026.
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government is advancing its talent development agenda through a new strategic partnership with Alibaba.
The Johor Talent Development Council signed a memorandum of understanding with several international partners, including Alibaba subsidiary Duiyo Pro, to implement an AI Design Training Programme.
State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the collaboration also involves Iskandar Investment Berhad and the Singapore Economy and Management Institute.
“This collaboration also proves the confidence of investors and global industry players in the talent potential and direction of AI technology development in Johor,” he said.
The initiative follows a working visit by a JTDC delegation to the Alibaba Business School at the company’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China.
Aznan said the visit provided direct exposure to the global technology ecosystem and real-world AI applications in education and industry.
A key focus of the MoU is the establishment of an “Alibaba Centre of Excellence” in Medini, Iskandar Puteri.
The centre will serve as a hub for AI learning, research, collaboration, and intensive talent development.
It will also host the Alibaba AI Design Expert Certification Programme, aimed at producing practical, project-capable AI experts from Johor.
The first intake of around 200 trainees is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
Aznan expressed hope that the collaboration will significantly impact the regional AI industry.
He said it aligns with the aspiration to establish Johor as a major AI technology hub in Malaysia.
