‘Move from worry to strategy': HR minister says AI puts 600,000 jobs ‘at risk' but creates new ones
He said that over 60 emerging job roles have already been identified, with 70 per cent of them in the AI and technology sector, poised to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
'So we have to move on from what I call 'worry to strategy,' because the way forward is to ensure that our workers are equipped with the right skills to adapt to the changes in current and future economic trends,' Sim said in his speech at the official launch of the 52nd ARTDO International Conference here this morning.
Sim referred to a study his ministry commissioned six months ago on the impact of AI and digitalisation in Malaysia, which revealed that 600,000 existing jobs are "at risk."
However, he clarified that this does not necessarily mean these jobs will be lost.
'Of course, some of these may become obsolete, so workers in these roles will be required to upskill and reskill,' he said, explaining that "at risk" means the jobs could be significantly impacted or affected by AI.
The study collected data from industry players across ten strategic economic sectors that contribute to about 60 to 70 per cent of the nation's GDP.
Upskilling and AI literacy key
Later, when asked to elaborate, Sim pointed to new roles like "prompt engineers" as examples of emerging opportunities.
'We need to learn how to work with AI. We still need someone to input data into the AI, and someone still needs to check the structures of feedback produced by AI,' he said.
He stressed the importance of two key areas for the workforce:
High-level AI skills that cover the ability to manage or even create AI
Broad AI literacy: Basic understanding and ability to use AI tools, which he said is essential for everyone, including homemakers, as the technology permeates all sectors.
'So we also want to provide basic AI literacy courses to the public in general,' he added, noting that the ministry's MyMahir portal was developed to match new skill requirements with appropriate training courses.
Sim also said that AI is not just about technical skills, but involves ethical and legal considerations.
He added that clear guidelines are needed to ensure the progress of AI does not negatively impact society.
'AI is not just about technology; it also touches on moral and legal issues.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Kuching to have longest riverfront and new landmark garden
Kuching North mayor Hilmy Othman said a 16-hectare floral garden will be developed near Jalan Astana and would be a major public attraction and eco-tourism destination. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Kuching Waterfront is to be extended and will be Malaysia's longest river waterfront under a development plan by the Kuching North City Hall which includes a 16-hectare floral garden, inspired by Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. Kucing North mayor Hilmy Othman said the extended Kuching Waterfront will run from Sungai Bintangor to the Satok Bridge, the Borneo Post reported. The project is part of plans by the city hall (DBKU) to transform Kuching into a low-carbon, globally competitive capital city under Sarawak's development strategy. The 16-hectare floral garden, one of the headline projects, is to be developed near Jalan Astana. Hilmy said the floral garden would serve as a major public attraction and eco-tourism destination, drawing both tourists and plant lovers. Complementing this is the upcoming Bamboo Gallery, a 25-hectare green architecture and sustainability education centre near Jalan Crookshank. 'These projects aim to preserve the site's natural greenery and heritage,' Hilmy said. He said DBKU would continue investing in infrastructure that blends sustainability with public benefit. The city has already installed more than 2,000 smart streetlights to cut energy use and reduce maintenance costs, along with over 300 CCTVs to boost security. A smart parking system, set to replace the coupon model, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025 and integrated into the iDBKU digital platform.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
In election pledge, Warisan offers to write off student debts
Warisan president Shafie Apdal congratulating high-scoring secondary school students at an event in his constituency of Semporna, Sabah, today. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Warisan has promised to write off outstanding student loans taken by Sabahans should the party form the state government after the coming state elections. Party president Shafie Apdal, a former chief minister, also promised free education for the people of Sabah should Warisan win in the next state election, the Jesselton Times reported. He also reiterated that he would restructure Yayasan Sabah. 'I will ensure that all wealth returns to Yayasan Sabah, and I will provide free scholarships if this foundation has sufficient funds for the underprivileged children of Sabah. 'I will also abolish loans for government officials, whether they are currently serving or retired, who have debts with Yayasan Sabah,' he was quoted as saying. His offer would also apply to those who took student loans from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). Separately, Malaysiakini reported Shafie as saying that Warisan would also provide full scholarships for Sabahans wishing to further their studies at universities once the state's finances are secure, calling it an investment in the next generation. He said the scholarships would target key disciplines such as engineering and medicine. The Sabah state assembly's five-year term expires on Nov 11, unless dissolved sooner. Elections must be held within 60 days of dissolution.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
BN aims to contest 1 state seat in every Sabah parliamentary constituency
BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan said representation across Sabah will lift the spirits of party members and make them feel included in the process. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Barisan Nasional wants to contest at least one state seat in every parliamentary constituency in Sabah in the coming state election, says its deputy chairman, Mohamad Hasan. Mohamad, who is also the Umno deputy president, said this is a key demand from the Sabah Umno-BN leadership, aimed at ensuring the party has representation and relevance across the state, Berita Harian reported. 'In the last state election, there were several parliamentary areas that had no BN candidates at all. This dampened the morale of the Umno-BN members and machinery as they had no role to play during the election. 'When people are not given the opportunity, some become disheartened and eventually leave the party, and that's not good,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after officiating the joint Umno divisional delegates' meeting, including its Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, in Membakut today. Mohamad said BN should be allocated at least one seat to contest in constituencies with two or three state seats. 'This would lift the spirits of our party members and make them feel included in the process,' he said. Mohamad said the proposal would be discussed at the top level through Umno's negotiation committee and among the secretaries-general of the BN component parties. 'This is my message to the secretaries-general … do not disregard this request. Every parliamentary seat must have at least one BN candidate,' he said. Also present was Umno Supreme Council member and Kimanis MP Mohamad Alamin.
