MyMahir National AI Council for Industry Unites Malaysia’s Workforce and Technology Strategies

MyMahir National AI Council for Industry Launched

Malaysia is stepping up to prepare its workforce for an AI-driven future with the launch of the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry (MyMahir–NAICI). This initiative is a partnership between Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), and the National AI Office (NAIO) via MyDIGITAL Corporation.

The council acts as a national platform focused on aligning AI talent development with industry needs, testing adoption strategies, and supporting AI implementation across sectors. Its launch was formalised at the inaugural meeting on 23 May 2025 in Petaling Jaya, where TalentCorp and NAIO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The event was attended by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources, and YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital.

Minister Steven Sim emphasised, "The question is not whether AI will replace jobs, but whether we will empower Malaysians to evolve with it." He highlighted that the council represents a national effort to connect skills with strategy, technology with talent, and policy with purpose, aiming to make Malaysians AI-ready. Minister Gobind Singh Deo added that while NAIO creates demand and drives deployment, TalentCorp builds the talent supply, with MyMahir–NAICI completing the cycle by providing continuous policy feedback.

A National Structure to Guide AI Readiness

The council is established as a three-year partnership focused on four strategic pillars:

• AI talent development
• Industry integration
• Policy and funding alignment
• Stakeholder governance

TalentCorp leads as the council’s secretariat, ensuring coordination, while NAIO aligns efforts with the national AI roadmap. Four key tools support their work:

• MyMahir Impact Study: Maps job roles at risk, emerging jobs, and future skills needs.
• MyMahir.my platform: Translates policy into actionable steps.
• G.I.A.T. Action Plan: Framework for collaboration among Government, Industry, Academia, and Training Providers.
• AI Talent Framework: Defines the learning journey from basic digital skills to deep AI expertise.

Early data from the Impact Study indicates about 620,000 jobs—18% of formal sector employment—could be significantly affected by AI within 3 to 5 years. At the same time, around 60 new roles are emerging in AI, green tech, and other advanced technologies. These insights will guide the council’s pilot programs and sector-specific skills development.

Tools for Action, Not Just Awareness

A key feature of the initiative is the AI Readiness Index (AIRI), integrated into the MyMahir.my platform. This tool helps companies assess their AI preparedness, identify gaps, and connect national strategy to everyday business operations. Pilot programs will test AI sandbox environments based on real industry challenges.

Thomas Mathew, Group CEO of TalentCorp, explained, "We’re linking strategy with execution, ensuring human capital policies are both agile and inclusive." Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDIGITAL, added that NAIO is critical in shaping workforce planning and guiding industries through AI adoption.

Measuring Progress and Staying Responsive

The AI Implementation Monitoring Unit (AI-IMU) has been set up to track progress, oversee delivery, and report updates to ministers and council members. This ensures that sectoral plans remain effective and responsive to changing conditions.

MyMahir–NAICI supports Malaysia’s broader national goals, including the Madani Economy, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint.

For HR professionals, this council represents a vital step in aligning workforce development with AI advancements. Staying informed and engaged with initiatives like these will be key to preparing teams for shifts brought by AI technologies.

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