AI reshapes, not replaces, say young Malaysians

The Star

17 hours ago

PETALING JAYA: With concerns growing over artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the workforce, young Malaysians say the latest technology should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Junior executive Zambri Jailani, 25, likened the advent of AI to the introduction of computers in the 1990s.
'Instead of threatening job opportunities, they became an important tool for us,' he said.
Zambri said all generations should be ready to adapt to technological changes, adding that AI skills would help increase productivity and boost Malaysia's competitiveness on the global stage.
For content writer Lee Zai Wen, 26, AI is already integrated into his work; however, he believes the technology is unlikely to replace his role in the foreseeable future.
'I use AI quite often to help create content, and while it does write well, the content sometimes lacks the expressive descriptions that help readers relate to it,' he said.
Law student Carmen Ho, 25, said the legal sector was already experiencing the impact of AI, citing a case in the United Kingdom where a lawyer faced disciplinary action after citing fictitious cases generated by AI.
'With the rise of lawyers using AI, it is going to take more time and effort to vet documents, especially if fake cases are used,' she said.
While acknowledging that AI could reduce the demand for some roles, Ho said the legal profession still requires human expertise.
'Trained eyes are still needed for legal research and identifying legal issues. Perhaps fewer lawyers will be needed with AI assisting, but legal minds are still necessary,' she said.
Dr Muhammad Akmal Remli, director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (AIBIG) at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, said the priority should be to equip the local workforce with the right skills to adapt to the rapid changes brought by AI and automation.
'We must focus on reskilling and lifelong learning so workers are not left behind. In this environment, workers who know how to use AI tools will likely replace those who don't,' he said when contacted.
Muhammad Akmal said that digital literacy, adaptability, problem-solving and creativity must be at the core of workforce development.
He urged government, industry and education providers to collaborate in creating accessible training pathways, particularly for SMEs, rural workers and vulnerable groups.
'The goal is not just to produce more AI specialists but to ensure every worker – from retail to manufacturing – can apply digital and AI tools in their daily roles,' he said.
On the jobs most exposed to disruption, he pointed to wholesale and retail, food manufacturing, global business services, electrical and electronics, and ICT, with roles such as cashiering, data entry, production line work, and basic coding or testing most at risk.
He said workers in these areas must be supported through reskilling into adjacent roles – such as retail staff moving into e-commerce or logistics, or call centre staff into customer experience design.
'Workers should be trained to see AI as a co-pilot rather than a competitor. With clear transition pathways, at-risk jobs can evolve into new opportunities such as automation technicians, digital supply chain managers or sustainability specialists," he added.