KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government is proactively ensuring that Malaysians acquire the necessary skills and expertise in digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), as it becomes increasingly vital across all industries and sectors in the country, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said that the recently-launched National AI Office (NAIO) will also play a role in studying the impact of such technology on jobs, and provide recommendations to ensure Malaysians remain in the workforce.
“If we embrace technology, we will move forward. If we don’t embrace technology, we will be left far behind in this digital age.
"As such, we have to take this bold step of adopting and adapting digital technology," he said.
He said he understood some people were concerned about the use of technology, and how it will impact jobs but he would like to stress that the aspect of jobs is extremely important to the Madani Government.
He said the government wanted to ensure that while using technology to elevate businesses and the economy, the people still have jobs.
Gobind said that the Digital Ministry is working closely with the Human Resources Ministry to study the impact of technology as a whole, and to identify the jobs of the near future.
He said this was achieved through Talent Corp’s "Impact Study on AI, Digital, and Green Economy on the Malaysian Workforce" that was made public in November 2024.
“The study showed the types of technology that will grow rapidly over the next five years, and how such technology will impact jobs, and also sectors.
"We need to know which sectors will be impacted, and which need to be strengthened," he said.
He said for the workers who would be affected, the government have to make the necessary preparations to ensure they have the right skills.
He said the government will help upskill and reskill them so that they can continue being in the workforce.
"With their new skills, they can also venture into other sectors.
"Technology can also create new job opportunities," he said.
Gobind said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had, last month, instructed the Digital Ministry to look at jobs that would be impacted by AI.
“NAIO will, among others, look into this and make recommendations.
"I want to reassure everyone that while the Government values technology, we will give our fullest attention to the evolving job landscape to ensure people remain in the workforce," he said.
He said if there are certain sectors that are impacted by digital technology, then the government already has a solution for the workers in those areas.
He said NAIO, which was launched on Dec 12, 2024, serves as the central authority to champion Malaysia’s AI agenda.
It also aims to position Malaysia as a regional leader in AI technology and applications.
