Over 620,000 Malaysian Jobs at the Crossroads Due to AI, Digitalisation and Green Economy

By The Malketeer

The Message is Clear – Adaptability is the New Job Security

In a groundbreaking revelation that signals a seismic shift in Malaysia’s economic landscape, a recent TalentCorp study unveils the profound impact of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and the green economy on the nation’s workforce.

The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

With 18% of Malaysia’s 3.5 million employees – approximately 620,000 workers – poised for significant job transformation, the study highlights an urgent need for strategic workforce adaptation.

This isn’t just a disruption; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of professional skills and industry dynamics.

Skills: The New Currency of Employability

The research underscores a critical message: technological proficiency is no longer confined to technical roles.

Employers across sectors are increasingly seeking talent with specialised skills in AI, digital technologies, and sustainable practices.

The message is clear – adaptability is the new job security.

Government and Industry: A Collaborative Approach to Workforce Evolution

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim captured the nuanced reality perfectly: “Technology can replace jobs but it can also create new work opportunities.”

This perspective frames the study not as a threat, but as a strategic roadmap for national economic resilience.

Key Recommendations for Workforce Transformation

• Provide financial support for employee upskilling
• Develop in-house training programmes on emerging technology trends
• Refresh educational curricula to integrate AI, digital, and sustainability components

Sectors Under the Spotlight

The study’s focus on 10 critical sectors – including aerospace, electronics, energy, and medical devices – represents a comprehensive cross-section of Malaysia’s economic backbone.

These sectors, contributing a staggering RM933 billion to the GDP in 2023, are at the forefront of this transformative wave.

The MyMAHIR Advantage

Central to this transition is MyMAHIR, a government portal designed to help employees evaluate and enhance their skills.

This platform represents a proactive approach to workforce development, offering a personalised pathway for professional evolution.

Looking Ahead: A Future-Ready Workforce

TalentCorp’s Thomas Mathew articulated the vision succinctly: “We are equipping Malaysians with skills critical to our economic and global competitiveness.”

This statement encapsulates the study’s core message – transformation is not just inevitable, but an opportunity for growth.

Embrace, Adapt, Thrive

As Malaysia stands at the intersection of technological innovation and economic strategy, the message is unequivocal: the future belongs to those who are willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn.