September 15, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The tremors of artificial intelligence (AI) shaking labour markets worldwide has reached Malaysian shores, though the impact has been cushioned by early government-led upskilling initiatives.
Korn Ferry Malaysia country managing director Anthony Raja Devadoss said the rise of AI and automation is now displacing repetitive, task-heavy work in Malaysia, echoing global trends.
"AI has been here in Malaysia for some time and its impact on the labour market is intensifying. Roles that are task-dependent or repetitive are most at risk of being automated," he told Business Times.
A study by TalentCorp, he noted, had identified 10 sectors facing a high risk of displacement in the next three to five years, with between 60 and 70 per cent of certain roles potentially affected.
Still, Devadoss said Malaysia's workforce has been somewhat shielded due to structured reskilling programmes and funding support through bodies such as the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).
"What is needed now is a stronger learning culture. Workers must move quickly to build new skills in line with emerging technologies.
"If you are in finance, you need to add the technology piece and pivot to fintech. The same goes for agriculture with agritech, or healthcare with healthtech," he said.
He highlighted cybersecurity, AI-related services and digital content development as areas where demand for talent is already outstripping supply.
"These are fast-growing fields where Malaysians can build careers even without a traditional degree, as professional certifications can often get them started much faster."
For employers, Devadoss said the priority should be to create more learning opportunities within organisations rather than fearing talent attrition.
"Don't be afraid that if you train them, they may leave. When you train them, they can contribute better and help the organisation grow. If the employer survives, the employee survives," he said.
Looking ahead, he said digital literacy and fluency will define Malaysia's workforce in an AI-enabled economy.
"We are already cashless and mobile-driven. The future of work will be about applying knowledge in new ways, making data-driven decisions and leveraging AI as a partner, not a replacement," he added.
At the same time, he cautioned against losing the human element in an increasingly machine-mediated workplace.
"As we become more AI-driven, we risk becoming less human. Beyond technical skills, workers should build communication skills, leadership and networks. Technology should empower us, not diminish our humanity," he said.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/nhspeyhx