KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is aiming to create between 300,000 and 500,000 new jobs through a major push to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) talent ecosystem, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The Deputy Human Resources Minister said the job-creation target forms a key pillar of the National AI Action Plan 2030, currently being drafted by the Digital Ministry to realise Malaysia’s ambition of becoming an “AI Nation” and a regional AI hub within the next five years.
The initiative, he said, aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan’s goal of strengthening talent development across priority sectors.
Abdul Rahman said several strategies are underway to boost workforce skills and retain local talent, particularly in AI-related fields.
“These include the establishment of the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry (MyMahir-NAICI), a collaborative platform involving TalentCorp, the National AI Office and MyDigital.
“Supported by a RM3bil reskilling fund, the council aims to accelerate workforce transformation and synchronise national AI talent development,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 27).
The MyMahir.my platform, he said, offers comprehensive information on job roles, required skills and relevant training programmes to prepare Malaysians for future labour market demands, including AI and green technology.
“It is accessible to students as young as 15, jobseekers, training institutions and employers,” he said.
Integrated into the same platform is the AI Readiness Index (Airi), which allows companies to assess their AI preparedness, identify capability gaps and plan for digital transformation, he said.
Abdul Rahman added that nearly 800,000 Malaysians are expected to benefit from the joint “AI for MY Future” programme between the National AI Office and Microsoft, which focuses on AI training modules and guided learning.
“Malaysia’s broader push toward becoming a leading AI economy is driven by the vision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who aims to position the country among the top 20 AI nations globally by 2030.
“To support this vision, the Human Resources Ministry is ensuring that the transition toward AI and green technologies does not undermine existing jobs or trigger talent outflow, but instead uplifts job quality and creates new high-skilled opportunities.
“With a coordinated approach, Malaysia’s workforce will be able to transition strategically into future jobs, keeping local talent relevant and contributing to the nation’s aspiration to rank among the world’s top 20 AI economies by 2030,” he said.
