(From left) OCBC Singapore group human resources head Lee Hwee Boon, Tan, Sim, OCBC Al-Amin chief executive officer Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik and OCBC Malaysia human resources head KC Loo launching MOBI, OCBC Malaysia’s AI career growth platform. — ART CHEN/The Star
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is not expected to replace human workers but instead augment their capabilities and create new jobs.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who launched OCBC Malaysia’s flagship “Grow Your Way with MOBI” festival, said the technology opened pathways for high-skilled prospects and was a game changer for the future.
“Conventional job scopes may face risks from AI, digitalisation and green technology, but the transformation would enable the workforce to embrace quick and smarter decision-making across industries,” he said.
Sim said it was crucial that workers embraced AI along with the opportunities it brought.
“It is good to see OCBC Malaysia leading the way for its employees and the industry.
“We need to future-proof ourselves and adapt to changes with AI.
“There is also a need for a clear framework to govern the ethical and legal scopes of AI to ensure it is harnessed in a correct manner,” he said.
MOBI is an AI tool developed for career growth.
Depending on the growth plan, MOBI can help to recommend learning courses, gig projects and career interest areas.
The festival, also being held across OCBC Group’s core markets of Singapore, China and Indonesia, serves as a keystone of the financial institution’s workforce development strategy.
“OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd is investing more than RM10mil a year in people development programmes, with a focus on AI to reskill and upskill, as part of its long-term workforce strategy,” said OCBC Malaysia chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen.
The commitment would continue in the years ahead in preparing its more than 5,000-strong workforce for fast AI changes, he added.
“AI is rapidly transforming the world and OCBC Malaysia is committed to ensuring our people are well-equipped to harness this technology effectively to innovate and work efficiently.
“Today, we offer close to 480 AI programmes, spanning from foundational AI concepts to advanced topics such as generative AI and agentic AI.
“Nearly 3,890 employees have participated, with close to 12,500 course completions recorded to date,” said Tan.
He said the bank has integrated multiple generative AI platforms into its daily operations.
“We have not one, not two, but three gen AI platforms that are OCBC GPT, Buddy and Copilot within our system to empower our employees and enhance productivity and efficiency across the bank.”
Tan announced that OCBC Malaysia would offer two scholarships next year for students pursuing AI-related disciplines.
“If needed, we will give more. This is our way of supporting Malaysia in building the pipeline for the next generation of AI talent,” he said.
