Malaysia's Future: Embracing AI, Reskilling, and Innovation for 2030

Government research indicates that over 30% of jobs in Malaysia will be impacted by artificial intelligence (AI) within the next decade, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, services, and information technology, according to Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

He stated that over 600,000 workers would need to undergo reskilling within three to five years to stay competitive in an evolving job market. Additionally, by 2030, Malaysia will require 500,000 more skilled workers to meet the demands of technology-driven industries, underscoring the importance of an effective training and certification system.

Speaking at the launch of the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) Professional Development Certification, Chang emphasized the need for Malaysia's workforce to adapt to these changes through reskilling and upskilling, especially in technical and technological fields, to maintain global competitiveness and meet industry needs.

To address this, the government is ensuring that training programs align with international standards and Industry 4.0 requirements, focusing on areas like cybersecurity, smart systems management, and data analytics.

Chang highlighted that the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, through MBOT, is spearheading initiatives to bridge the skills gap and enhance the capabilities of local talent. One such effort is the creation of the Technology and Technical Professional Development Council (TPDC), which aims to establish a robust quality assurance framework and certification for short-term technical and technology courses.

The TPDC ensures the quality of these courses by evaluating instructors, content, methods, and assessment approaches, ensuring the training aligns with industry needs and global standards. This guarantees that the skills Malaysian workers acquire remain relevant in an ever-changing global market.

MBOT president Professor Emerita Datuk Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir noted that the MBOT supports the objectives of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2021-2030. A core focus of this policy is improving the efficiency and professionalism of human capital in technology and innovation sectors.

She added that the TPDC serves as a key platform for engaging stakeholders in shaping the future of Malaysia's technology and technical workforce. Collaboration with the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) will further enhance the recognition of MBOT-certified short-term courses as industry-specific programs.