AI is a tool, and not a threat; Malaysians are 12% more likely to be using AI at work than the average worker around the world, based on figures from Microsoft and LinkedIn. And rather than fearing it will replace them, most people see it as something that will change their roles.
What is the extent of that change, however? Here's a quick breakdown of the impact.
The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP) has already identified digital transformation as one of four key missions for the nation, with the development of generative and industrial AI solution leaders and system integrators taking a major role: in fact, one of the projects under NIMP is to establish Malaysia as a generative AI hub. Manufacturing in particular is a target sector for digital acceleration, with a goal of establishing 3,000 AI-powered smart factories by 2030.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority is also pushing strongly for the development of AI talent, via the education system, foreign direct investment, and partnerships with large tech companies that can bring in training and skilling programmes and certifications.