AI will not replace jobs, but redefine them

New Straits Times

2 days ago

GEORGE TOWN: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not the threat to employment it is often made out to be, instead, it is rapidly transforming Malaysia's job landscape — not by replacing human workers, but by creating new roles and redefining existing ones.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said that as Malaysia accelerates its transition into a digital economy, the public must shed the fear that AI will lead to widespread job losses.
"We must move away from the fear that AI is here to take away jobs.
"The evidence shows that AI is transforming jobs, not eliminating them. Those who adapt and upskill will find more opportunities, not fewer," he told newsmen here after the launch of the 52nd ARTDO International Conference.
Elaborating, Sim said a national labour market study commissioned by his ministry late last year revealed that up to 60 per cent of employers across 10 key economic sectors expected AI to lead to job creation, particularly in areas requiring advanced digital skills.
The study, which included extensive inputs from industry stakeholders, is now informing national policy on workforce readiness.
"AI is changing how we work, not eliminating the need for work itself.
"The question is not whether AI will take over, but whether we are preparing Malaysians to work with AI," he added.
Sim said the ministry was actively responding to these changes by expanding training and upskilling initiatives through platforms such as MyMahir, a national skills-matching portal.
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.
He said 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.
He also said that his ministry was 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 per cent 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.