PETALING JAYA: Youths using artificial intelligence (AI) are resorting to copying ideas instead of creating their own innovations, say employers.
They said students should understand how to apply AI to unique challenges throughout their careers.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the rising popularity of AI is making young workers copy existing ideas rather than working on their own ideas and innovations.
“AI tools provide quick answers and solutions, and it is very tempting to rely on these resources rather than engaging in creative thinking,” he said.
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He added that employers are now seeing youths who are competent in technology, such as social media and apps.
“However, there is a gap in higher-order technological skills, including data analysis, coding and complex problem-solving that may not be fully developed,” he said in an interview.
To bridge this gap in skills, employers seek extra training to equip younger workers with the appropriate skill sets.
Syed Hussain also said many companies do not have technologies in their workplaces that support a techno-centric workforce.
“Although several organisations have begun to embrace digital transformation for their operations, many are still operating on obsolete systems and without the resources required to address these issues.
“This mismatch can be an impediment for young employees who are accustomed to better technologies and may find themselves frustrated when confronted with outmoded tools,” he said.
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“Companies that invest in modern technologies have a greater chance of attracting and retaining top talent,” he added.
Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia acting managing director Nicholas Lam said some employees may lean towards replicating existing ideas rather than innovating due to the ease of access to AI tools.
“The focus should be on judicious use of AI,” he said.
Lam said it is important that younger employees have strong interpersonal skills to thrive as competent contributors, regardless of advancements in AI.
“These skills complement technical knowledge, allowing young professionals to apply their AI expertise in ways that drive meaningful results in diverse work settings,” he said.
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Lam said Malaysian workers face difficulty making the most of AI tools, particularly when it comes to creating effective prompts.
“Employers may focus on tailored upskilling initiatives, ensuring that their workers use AI as a tool for problem-solving rather than a substitute for creativity,” he said.
Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX) chairman Chiew Kok Hin said as AI becomes more integrated into many industries, there is a risk of over-reliance on readily available solutions.
“Rather than just replicating ideas, it is crucial for youths to apply AI to unique challenges,” he said.
He said today’s youths are adept with basic digital tools, but still need more training in specialised, high-demand areas like AI.
However, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) senior lecturer (Information Science and Technology) Prof Dr Nurhidayah Bahar said AI can help fresh graduates develop critical thinking and communications skills.
“When students use AI to generate ideas or analyse information, they are encouraged to think critically about the outputs and how to apply them effectively.
“The know-how of prompt engineering, such as rafting specific and effective prompts to get desired responses from AI, fosters critical thinking.
“This is because they must analyse what information they need and how to articulate the information clearly,” she said.
“This practice not only improves their ability to communicate their thoughts effectively but also teaches them to approach problems more strategically.”
She said most higher education institutions are currently working towards building AI skills among their students.
“It will take time, but I am confident that we will soon reach a point where graduates will not only have strong AI skills, but will also be well-rounded in communication and critical thinking due to AI,” she added.
