AI Skills Training Opens Path to High-Income Jobs for All Ages

Embrace AI to Prepare for High-Income Roles, Human Resources Minister Advises Workers

Human resources minister Steven Sim has emphasized the importance of embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. He urged workers to view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat and to actively pursue skills training regardless of their age.

Speaking at the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 Learning Tour in Penang, Sim highlighted that the workforce should prepare for digital roles that offer higher incomes, instead of focusing solely on low-skilled jobs.

Learning Beyond Boundaries

The event gathered over 600 participants, including school students, civil servants, senior citizens, the B40 group, and persons with disabilities. It showcased the need for skills training to extend beyond traditional limits—covering wider access, diverse purposes, and broader scope.

Free courses available in the northern region included AI fundamentals, robotic coding, cybersecurity, first aid, mental health, and creative workshops such as pottery and makeup tailored for persons with disabilities.

“No one is too old to learn. Our aim is not just jobs, but better jobs,” Sim said.

National Training Week Progress and Impact

Launched by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on June 14, the NTW campaign quickly surpassed its initial target of one million enrolments, reaching 3.2 million sign-ups in less than a week. Over 72,000 free courses are available nationwide under the theme “Learning Beyond Borders.”

In the northern states of Penang, Kedah, and Perlis, nearly 800 courses have attracted more than 167,000 participants.

Aligning with Malaysia’s Skills Development Goals

The campaign supports Malaysia’s ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 and aims to prepare a future-ready workforce. This is particularly important for regions like Penang, recently recognized by the World Economic Forum as a semiconductor hub.

Sim also noted the opening of a new one-stop labour service centre in Seberang Jaya. This facility will provide job matching and training aligned with Penang’s expanding high-tech sector.

“If we want to win in the digital age, we must train not just the best minds, but every willing hand,” Sim stated.

Continuing Opportunities for Skills Development

The NTW 2025 campaign will conclude in Ipoh on June 21, but all courses will remain free and accessible online throughout the year at nationaltrainingweek.gov.my.

For human resources professionals looking to support workforce transformation through AI skills, exploring comprehensive AI training options is essential. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical pathways to help employees build relevant knowledge efficiently.