Reskill, Upskill to Stay in the Game
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), business restructuring, and other factors have made many traditional jobs obsolete. However, opportunities abound for employees willing to acquire new skills and remain relevant in the workforce. While AI has replaced some roles, it has also created new positions that demand fresh skill sets.
AI often feels like a threat to job security. Research by Goldman Sachs estimates that AI could eventually replace up to two-thirds of all occupations. Yet, automation and technological advances have been reshaping the job market for decades. Factory floors once bustling with human workers are now dominated by robotic arms.
Still, AI is not the only factor affecting jobs. Companies restructure regularly, sometimes downsizing to stay competitive. Economic downturns, shifts in consumer demand, and changing business strategies also contribute to job losses.
The Need for Change
Job losses aren’t solely driven by AI. In sectors like oil and gas (O&G) and media, companies adopt new technologies mainly to cut costs and increase efficiency. For example, AI adoption in Singapore’s O&G sector has led to 10% to 20% savings on spending. This has improved operational efficiency and safety but also made some jobs redundant.
Major oil companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron are using technology and consolidation to manage costs amid shrinking returns. In media, newspapers in the UK and Italy are experimenting with AI-generated content. The Worcester Journal in the UK employs AI-assisted journalists to handle routine reporting, freeing human reporters to focus on more complex stories. Italy’s Il Foglio even published a fully AI-generated edition as a month-long experiment.
The Plus Side of AI
Despite concerns, AI won’t replace humans entirely. Many tasks can be automated, but human interaction remains essential in areas like banking. For instance, while electronic transactions have reduced over-the-counter services, bank counters stay open for customers needing personal assistance.
Some jobs are outsourced rather than eliminated. Data entry roles, for example, may be shifted to countries with lower labor costs under the banner of digital transformation or cost efficiency.
Moreover, AI is creating new job opportunities. A report from May 2025 highlights that emerging technologies can ease transitions for workers affected by automation—provided businesses support reskilling and upskilling efforts.
A Second Chance Through Reskilling and Upskilling
Reskilling and upskilling initiatives are gaining momentum, especially in Malaysia. The Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) is leading efforts to equip workers with new skills. Participation in their training programs surged from about 880,000 people in 2022 to 1.49 million in 2024, a 69% increase.
The National Training Week (NTW) organized by HRD Corp saw enrollment jump from 375,817 in 2024 to over 3.53 million in 2025. This surge reflects growing awareness among workers about the need to stay competitive and adaptable. These programs help individuals transition into new roles after retrenchment or job shifts.
For HR professionals, supporting employees through these changes means facilitating access to relevant training and encouraging continuous learning.
Practical Steps for HR Professionals
- Promote continuous learning: Encourage employees to pursue new skills that align with evolving business needs.
- Partner with training providers: Collaborate with organizations like HRD Corp or explore platforms offering AI and digital skills courses.
- Identify emerging roles: Understand which new positions AI is creating and prepare your workforce accordingly.
- Support career transitions: Develop retraining programs for roles affected by automation or restructuring.
For organizations committed to preparing their teams for the future, exploring targeted AI and automation training can be a valuable step. Resources such as Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer practical skill-building tailored to current technology trends.
Reskilling and upskilling aren't just buzzwords—they are essential strategies for maintaining a resilient, agile workforce in a changing job market.
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