Employers in Malaysia expect AI to create jobs

AI is reshaping Malaysia’s employment landscape by creating new opportunities and redefining existing roles, rather than displacing employees, according to Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim.

As Malaysia accelerates its transition into a digital economy, Sim called on the public to move beyond fears of mass unemployment driven by AI. “We must move away from the fear that AI is here to take away jobs,” he said. “The evidence shows that AI is transforming jobs, not eliminating them. Those who adapt and upskill will find more opportunities, not fewer.”

A labour market study commissioned by the Human Resources Ministry in late 2023 found that up to 60% of employers across 10 key economic sectors believe AI will lead to job creation, especially in areas that demand advanced digital competencies. The findings are informing national policies focused on workforce readiness and resilience.

“AI is changing how we work, not eliminating the need for work itself,” Sim said. “The question is not whether AI will take over, but whether we are preparing Malaysians to work with AI.”

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To meet this challenge, the ministry is expanding training and upskilling efforts through platforms such as MyMahir, a national skills-matching portal. More than 33 government-run industrial training institutes, along with private training providers, are now offering courses in AI and digital literacy.

Sim stressed that AI literacy must become a mainstream competency, and added, “Not everyone will become an AI engineer, but basic familiarity with how AI works will soon be essential across nearly every profession.”

The ministry is also prioritising responsible AI deployment by integrating ethics and governance into public awareness campaigns. During the recent National Training Week, nearly half of the courses offered included AI-related components, covering topics such as ethical usage, data protection, and digital responsibility, reported New Straits Times.

“We are building not just a skilled workforce, but a trusted digital society,” he concluded.