Malaysia targets half-million jobs through AI-driven workforce upgrade
The Malaysian government announced plans to create 500,000 jobs by leveraging artificial intelligence and related technologies, aiming to raise the share of skilled workers by 2030.
In a parliamentary session, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir outlined a national strategy to generate 500,000 new jobs through artificial intelligence and related digital initiatives. He framed AI, digitalisation and automation as opportunities to reshape the economy and expand high-growth, high-value industries. Citing a recent Stanford study, he noted that generative AI favors experienced, highly skilled workers while posing challenges for low-skill occupations, which currently account for 12.9% of the labour force.
The 13th Malaysia Plan targets a rise in skilled employment from 30.1% in 2025 to 35% by 2030. A Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad study from November 2024 indicated that 90% of existing jobs could remain relevant with proper skill adaptation, while 10% face automation risk. To prevent large-scale job losses, the government will strengthen talent development programmes, including certification, upskilling and reskilling, and will deepen collaboration among the public sector, industry and academia via 17 MyMahir Future Skills Talent Councils chaired by industry leaders.
Why it matters
The plan aims to safeguard Malaysia's workforce against AI disruption while driving economic growth.
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