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The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
AI reshapes, not replaces, say young Malaysians
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.
New Straits Times
03-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia needs own AI breakthroughs, not foreign tech reliance, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR: To become an "inclusive and sustainable" AI nation by 2030, Malaysia must move beyond mere integration of foreign technologies and develop its own core innovations. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan academic and Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (AIBIG) director Dr Muhammad Akmal Remli said the country has strengths in talent and research but lacks a strong ecosystem that supports deep scientific expertise and domain-specific AI applications. "Our AI infrastructure is still relatively weak, and there's limited public awareness of the importance of academia–industry collaboration," he added. He said Malaysia is trailing behind neighbours such as Singapore, which benefits from a strong university research base with world-class professors and heavy investment in AI infrastructure. On July 31, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Malaysia aims to be an "inclusive and sustainable" Artificial Intelligence (AI) nation by 2030. Anwar added that, under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government wants the country to become a regional hub for digital technology innovation and the production of "Made by Malaysia" products and services. Malaysia's research and development (R&D) ecosystem has seen positive moves, notably through programmes by Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry. However, Akmal said more needs to be done to foster private sector involvement. "Private sector investment in AI R&D is not yet at the level needed to drive breakthrough innovation," he said, pointing out that AI research takes years and current progress reflects work started half a decade ago. He stressed that to build truly "Made by Malaysia" digital products, the country must develop its own foundational models and technologies instead of relying on tools such as GPT or DeepSeek. Inclusive AI in Malaysia, he said, means ensuring that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic background, can access AI tools, education and opportunities. But he cautioned that inclusive development must be matched with transparency, fairness, and strong governance, and that AI policymaking must be led by those with the right expertise and strategic insight.
