KUALA LUMPUR: Despite artificial intelligence (AI) potentially affecting some 600,000 job roles over the next three to five years in the country, university students remain optimistic about the opportunities in the workplace.
Mohamed Hyypia Rosmaini said that while AI has been replacing many jobs, he believes not all roles can be substituted.The final-year student of South-East Asian studies said AI’s limitations include the need for human interaction at workplaces.“This is where the experiences I have acquired from being involved in student organisations at the university come in handy.
“By combining foundational skills with AI tools, I’m positive that I’m better prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly AI-driven environment,” said the 23-year-old Sarawakian.
Mohamed Hyypia said that he self-learnt generative AI through videos or infographics online.
“As opposed to conventional methods of going through encyclopaedias, AI helps in providing straightforward answers when searching for sources.
“However, human intelligence is still important in cross-checking the information provided by AI,” he added.
Deyeera Ponambalam, 24, concurred, saying that fact-checking is still crucial in verifying AI-generated information.
“With the initiatives I have taken to learn AI, it better exposes me to various challenges in the workplace.
“AI also helps me refine and expand skills gained throughout my studies,” the final year communications psychology student said.
Another university student, Gousalyaa Sugumaran, 23, viewed AI as an opportunity to improve efficiency and solve complex problems.
“In my final year, we are also required to take a subject called Digital Humanities, which focuses on computational methods, data presentation and audience engagement,” she said.
Lim Jian Yew, a third-year computer science student, viewed AI as a “very smart friend”, adding that he regularly used its tools to compile study content.
“It’s like a friend who knows a lot about everything and is always learning while also being willing to teach,” he said, adding that he gained most of his AI literacy through self-learning.
While acknowledging that AI might replace certain aspects of his prospective job roles, Lim said AI could enhance the quality of work.
“It can be used as a tool to filter important and necessary content, which can sometimes be overlooked by the human eye.
“When we combine this with the human touch, it actually supplements the work produced,” he said.
Mouawia Aidaliee, an AI undergraduate, said its tool usage boosted her productivity.
“We need to handle it responsibly. AI is part of our syllabus now and we have classes that cover its application and ethical issues,” said the 25-year-old.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim had said that over 60 emerging roles were expected to support the growth of AI, digitalisation and the green economy in Malaysia.
He said a study by TalentCorp found that over 600,000 jobs would need improvement in terms of skills within the next three to five years.
The sectors involved are aerospace, chemicals, electrical and electronics, energy and power, food processing and services, global business services, information and communication technology, medical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade.
