The rapid influx of investment in data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) in Batam is expected to transform the region into more than just an operational area. The Singaporean government has emphasized the importance of upgrading the skills of the local workforce to master strategic skills and cutting-edge technologies.
This view was shared by Singapore's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, during the Indonesian Journalists’ Visit Programme (IJVP) in Singapore. According to him, Batam's main challenge now is to ensure local workers move up the value chain and do not merely serve as operators of digital facilities.
Zhulkarnain acknowledged that Batam has grown into a magnet for digital investment, serving various global technology corporations. However, he cautioned that greater economic value for the region can only be achieved if the local human resources are capable of filling high-skilled roles.
Drawing lessons from the history of Singapore's semiconductor industry, Zhulkarnain explained that the initial focus of investment is typically on physical infrastructure. However, the next crucial step is to foster technology transfer through integrated education and training.
He also emphasized that most of the data center investments in Batam actually originate from global multinational corporations, rather than simply being a relocation of Singaporean technology. Batam's geographical advantage must be supported by the readiness of digital talent to maintain long-term competitiveness in Southeast Asia.
Close collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and industry is key. Through proper training and knowledge transfer programs, local workers are expected not just to be passive users, but to actively develop artificial intelligence technologies in the future.
