Malaysia is facing a shortfall of more than 500,000 AI-skilled workers as it seeks to capture an estimated RM50 billion in economic potential from its AI economy by 2030.
The skills gap comes as workplace studies indicate that as many as nine in 10 Malaysian employees, depending on sector, feel inadequately trained to work alongside artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, assessments by agencies including TalentCorp have warned that around 700,000 existing roles could face displacement or significant changes in tasks due to AI, automation and digitalisation unless workers are reskilled.
The mismatch is putting pressure on employers, policymakers and training providers to accelerate workforce upskilling, particularly in practical AI and digital capabilities.
Against this backdrop, PEOPLElogy Berhad has launched National AI Readiness Week 2026 (NAIRW 2026), a five-day platform running from November 12 to 18 across two venues in the Klang Valley.
The initiative forms part of the company's 36-month “I’m AI Ready” movement, launched in June, which aims to get 5 million Malaysians to declare their AI readiness by 2030 through assessments, upskilling and employer commitments.
“We are launching National AI Readiness Week right now because the AI industry stands at a critical crossroads: while the immense economic potential of artificial intelligence is scaling rapidly, our workforce faces a widening gap between passive awareness and actual capability,” said PEOPLElogy founder and managing director Allen Lee.
Lee said the campaign aims to build AI capability through verified assessments, AI mastery scholarships and commitments from businesses and organisations.
As of the end of September, more than 9,100 Malaysians had declared their AI readiness, against a target of 50,000 declarations by the end of 2026. More than 800 delegates have registered for NAIRW 2026, while the Asia AI Excellence Awards has received more than 200 nominations.
NAIRW 2026 is structured around three groups: workers and individuals, business and organisational leaders, and organisations driving AI adoption.
The I’m AI READY Summit, taking place from November 12 to 14, will target SMEs, entrepreneurs, students and workers. It will offer AI-readiness assessments, practical support and personalised upskilling roadmaps.
The Build a Future Team (BAFT) Leaders Conference on November 17 and 18 will focus on corporate, HR and government leaders, with discussions around organisational readiness and future workforce strategies.
“The week is intentionally designed to connect the boardroom with the Rakyat simultaneously, ensuring that leadership frameworks, small business execution and individual workforce upskilling align so no one is left behind,” the organisers said.
The week will conclude with the Asia AI Excellence Awards, which will recognise organisations for measurable AI impact. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo is scheduled to present the awards.
PEOPLElogy is also backing the campaign with RM3 million in AI Mastery Scholarships for Malaysians seeking AI-related upskilling.
The company is running a nationwide contest alongside the summit, with an iPhone 18 Pro Max (512GB) offered as a daily prize from November 12 to 14. Participants must complete the “Find Out Your AI Personality” quiz, which is also used as part of the official AI-readiness declaration, before registering for NAIRW 2026.
The movement is being carried out in collaboration with MyDIGITAL Corporation as Malaysia seeks to strengthen its digital economy and build a larger pipeline of AI-ready talent.
NAIRW 2026 is the first edition of the initiative, with a second edition targeted for the second quarter of 2027. The programme is intended to support PEOPLElogy’s wider 36-month campaign to reach its target of 5 million AI-ready Malaysians by 2030.