KUALA LUMPUR: With artificial intelligence (AI) no longer a technology of the future but a workplace reality, Malaysian workers who fail to learn and adapt risk being left behind, says Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
The Human Resources Minister said AI is reshaping workplaces and the biggest challenge is not technology replacing people but workers choosing not to upgrade their skills.
“The question is no longer whether AI will change our work environment as that change is already taking place.
“The concern is workers getting left behind because they refuse to learn and adapt,” he said at the 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme grant presentation ceremony yesterday.
To help workers remain competitive, Ramanan said the ministry had allocated almost RM110mil through various initiatives, including TalentCorp’s AI MyMahir Roadshow to equip Malaysians with AI-related skills.
He said the aim of the initiative was to ensure Malaysians would not merely become users of AI technology but highly skilled workers capable of leading in their respective fields.
Ramanan said the government is committed to strengthening the country’s trade union movement.
Describing unions as more than organisations representing workers’ interests, he said they are the voice of workers and an important check-and-balance mechanism at a workplace and a strategic partner in ensuring the country’s economic development remained fair and inclusive.
“When workers are treated fairly, productivity will increase and businesses will grow. When both sides succeed, the country benefits,” he said.
Ramanan said the Madani government has allocated RM6.1mil this year for the nationwide implementation of the programme to strengthen the country’s trade union movement.
He said of the total, RM3.5mil will fund training, education, research, digitalisation and governance programmes while RM2.6mil will be utilised for outreach and corporate social responsibility programmes.
At the event, 315 trade unions received grants totalling RM2.88mil to strengthen their organisations, improve governance and carry out programmes benefiting their members.
As of Dec 31 last year, there are 786 registered trade unions with more than 1.06 million members.
However, Ramanan noted that with only about 6% of the country’s workforce currently unionised, many workers are not reaping the benefits of union representation.
“Trade unions are not just there to solve problems. They help prevent problems from happening in the first place,” he said.
Ramanan also said trade unions should play a bigger role by organising more activities, attracting new members and providing greater exposure to workers.
