Hiring of fresh graduates in the tech industry has fallen by 46%. The reason is simple: companies are now using bots to handle junior roles that were once filled by people.
Even more worrying is the fact that Abu Dhabi is investing US$13bil (RM54.4bil) to build what it calls the world’s first fully artificial intelligence (AI)-powered government, where many public services will be operated by bots.
China has already gone much further, automating almost every part of daily life, including taxis, hospitals, ports, factories and universities.
With new AI policies appearing around the world, it is clear that we are moving quickly towards a fully automated society.
But the question remains: Is this really what we want? Yes, when robots assist us, they make life easier and more efficient. No, when they replace us completely.
Work is not just a source of income; it gives people dignity, stability and purpose. Employment is essential for economic strength, social balance and sustainable growth. For the future to be sustainable, humans and AI must coexist.
Nvidia chief executive officer Jensen Huang puts it well, “It is not AI that will replace people. It is people who know AI who will replace those who do not.”
For Malaysia, where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up 97% of the economy, future progress depends on how well these businesses can adopt AI.
They can begin by testing AI through academia-industry collaboration, working closely with universities to train students who understand AI fundamentals, know how to apply AI in their specific industries, and can encourage responsible AI adoption in the workplace.
Many SMEs are curious yet cautious about AI, often unwilling to invest in something they do not yet understand. They are open to learning more, especially through employees who can guide them and show how AI can add real value to their businesses.
Ultimately, the success of AI adoption on the ground will determine Malaysia’s progress as a nation. It will also decide how close we come to achieving our goal of becoming a global leader in AI.
The future is not about choosing between man or machine. It is about building a future where man and machine grow together.
PROF DAVID NGO CHEK LING
Vice-chancellor
Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology
