Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. – Bernama
GEORGE TOWN: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will reshape Malaysia's job market and create thousands of new opportunities, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said AI would not replace workers but instead create new roles and redefine existing ones in the country's job landscape.
"We have to move on from what I call 'worry to strategy'.
"The way forward is to ensure that our workers are equipped with the right skills to adapt to the changes in current and future economic trends.
"As Malaysia accelerates its transition into a digital economy, people should shed the fear that AI will lead to widespread job losses," he told reporters after launching the 52nd ARTDO International conference held at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel in George Town on Monday (July 28).
Sim was referring to a study commissioned by his ministry on the impact of AI and digitalisation in Malaysia, which revealed that 600,000 existing jobs are "at risk".
He said the evidence shows that AI would transform jobs, not eliminate them.
"Those who adapt and upskill will find more opportunities, not fewer," he said.
Sim said a national labour market study by his ministry revealed that up to 60% of employers across 10 key economic sectors expect AI to lead to job creation, especially in roles needing advanced digital skills.
"The study, which included extensive inputs from industry stakeholders, is now sharing national policy on workforce readiness.
"AI is changing how we work, not eliminating the need for work.
"The question is not whether AI will take over, but whether we are preparing Malaysians to work with AI," he said.
When asked by the press to elaborate on the new job opportunities created by AI, Sim said new roles like "prompt engineers" is an emerging opportunity.
"We still need someone to input data into the AI and someone still needs to check the feedback produced by AI.
"The ministry is actively responding to these changes by expanding training and upskilling initiatives through platforms such as MyMahir, a national skills-matching portal," he said.
He said under the ministry's initiative, over 33 government-run industrial training institutes and various private providers were now offering AI and digital literacy courses.
"These courses are aimed at equipping the workforce with relevant competencies in an increasingly automated landscape.
"With the right upskilling, workers can transition into higher-value roles rather than being displaced.
"AI literacy must become mainstream. Not everyone will become an AI engineer, but basic familiarity with how AI works will soon be essential across nearly every profession," he said.
Sim said his ministry is working to integrate AI ethics and governance into public awareness, recognising that responsible deployment was just as important as technical know-how.
"During the recent National Training Week, between 40% and 50% of offerings had AI components, including modules on ethical usage, data protection and digital responsibility.
"We want Malaysians to not only use AI but to use it responsibly.
"Understanding the social, legal and moral implications of AI is a national priority.
"We are building not just a skilled workforce, but a trusted digital society," he said.
