AI Disruption in Malaysia: 600,000 Workers Must Reskill to Stay Relevant

By The Malketeer

The Message is Clear: Embrace Change, Invest in Skills, and Remain Globally Competitive

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, Malaysia stands at a critical juncture.

The nation’s workforce must adapt swiftly to the demands of an AI-driven economy or risk obsolescence.

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang delivered a stark reminder at the launch of the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) Professional Development Certification in Putrajaya today, revealing that more than 30% of jobs in Malaysia could be impacted by AI in the next decade.

The Race Against Time: 600,000 Workers to Reskill

In a government analysis, the need for reskilling over 600,000 workers within the next three to five years emerged as a pressing priority.

Key sectors such as manufacturing, services, and IT are expected to undergo significant transformation.

Minister Chang underscored the urgency, stating, “By 2030, the country is projected to require an additional 500,000 skilled workers to meet the demands of the technology and technical sectors.”

This demand calls for a robust training and certification ecosystem, aligned with international standards and Industry 4.0 requirements.

Malaysia’s strategic response to these challenges could determine its competitiveness on the global stage.

Bridging the Skills Gap: TPDC Takes the Lead

To address the growing skills gap, MBOT has established the Technology and Technical Professional Development Council (TPDC).

This council is tasked with developing a quality assurance framework for short-term courses in technology and technical fields.

From evaluating instructors to assessing course content, the TPDC aims to ensure that training programmes meet professional standards and are recognised by local industries.

“The TPDC framework guarantees that the skills acquired through these courses align with the ever-evolving global industry needs,” said Minister Chang.

This initiative is pivotal in ensuring Malaysian workers are equipped to thrive in a rapidly transforming job market.

Strategic Focus Areas for Reskilling

As part of its upskilling agenda, the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry is actively promoting training in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, smart systems management, and data analytics.

These courses are designed to cater to the needs of Industry 4.0, positioning Malaysia as a competitive player in the global economy.

MBOT President Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir highlighted the broader vision of these efforts.

“TPDC is a crucial platform to engage various stakeholders in determining the direction for developing relevant and competitive technology and technical human capital,” she said.

Collaboration with the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) ensures MBOT-certified short courses are recognised as focus-area and industry-specific programmes.

Future-Proofing the Workforce

The clock is ticking for Malaysia to future-proof its workforce.

Reskilling and upskilling efforts will not only safeguard jobs but also elevate the nation’s technological capabilities.

With initiatives like the TPDC framework and collaborations with industry players, Malaysia is laying the groundwork for a resilient and future-ready workforce.

As the disruptive wave of AI looms, the message is clear: embrace change, invest in skills, and remain globally competitive.

The choices made today will shape Malaysia’s place in the AI-driven future.