Malaysia's RM110M AI Training Push: A Wake-Up Call for HR
The Malaysian government, through TalentCorp and EY, is investing RM110 million to train 22,000 people in artificial intelligence. This isn't just another government program. It's a clear signal about the future of work in the country, and HR leaders need to pay attention.
The partnership resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding to expand the MyMahir AI Roadshow, an initiative to prepare Malaysians for an economy increasingly shaped by AI.
A People-First Approach to AI
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan was direct about the initiative's purpose. He stated that Malaysia's strategy for AI must be inclusive, centered on people, and connected to the actual needs of the workplace.
The government sees its role clearly: ensure no one is left behind. The goal is to give citizens practical skills to stay productive and employable as AI changes jobs across every sector.
The Data Demands Action
This isn't a distant problem. TalentCorp's own research estimates that without serious upskilling, about 685,000 Malaysian workers could see their roles disrupted in the next three to five years.
A study from the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia is even more sobering. It suggests 45% of the workforce, or 6.7 million people, have jobs where at least 40% of their tasks could be done by current generative AI.
For HR leaders, these numbers are a direct call to action. The question is no longer if AI will affect your team, but how you are preparing for it.
MyMahir AI Roadshow: Practical Skills on the Ground
The MyMahir AI Roadshow plans to travel to 60 parliamentary constituencies, delivering hands-on AI training directly to communities. The program is built for a wide audience, including students, employees, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.
It focuses on AI applications that can be used immediately to boost productivity and improve job prospects. While this national initiative provides a great starting point, internal company training is critical. HR departments need to build specific skills, and exploring options like popular AI certifications can provide a structured path for employee development.
The government is laying the groundwork. As an HR professional, this initiative confirms the urgent need to develop an internal AI upskilling strategy for your own organization. The time to act is now.
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