HUMAN Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has called for artificial intelligence (AI) literacy to be made accessible to every Malaysian, regardless of background, as the technology becomes a defining element of future societies.
“All segments of Malaysian society, including housewives, must understand the basics of AI,” Sim said. “It will shape the future, and we want our people to be ready — not just to use it, but to harness it for the good of themselves and the country.”
He was speaking at the opening of the 52nd ARTDO International Conference at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, where over 280 delegates from 20 countries have gathered to explore themes including talent acceleration, coaching culture, digital leadership, mental wellness and high-performance work environments.
Sim said the Human Resources Ministry is committed to ensuring Malaysians, especially the workforce, are prepared to navigate AI integration — both through widespread upskilling initiatives and through legislative frameworks.
“AI is the future, but it must be used responsibly and not abused. That is why we are also looking at how to regulate it properly,” said Sim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam and Penang DAP liaison chairman.
He noted that a recent ministry-commissioned report on AI’s impact has identified 10 sectors likely to be affected by the technology. While some existing jobs may be lost, many new roles are expected to emerge.
“One such job is the prompt engineer — someone who feeds the right data into AI systems to ensure they produce accurate, meaningful output. There will also be strong demand for roles in data input and data security. Our workforce must be ready.”
Sim stressed that workers, including those in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), must equip themselves with a working knowledge of AI to remain competitive.
“Our workers need to pivot towards AI,” he said. “New jobs will emerge — high-demand roles that will supplement existing technical skills. Even understanding how household devices use AI is a starting point.”
He added that widespread AI literacy will be critical in helping the country navigate its economic transformation, while also protecting against misuse of the technology.
“We must ensure AI is not used to harm society, such as through fake news on social media caused by flawed algorithms. That’s why AI must be governed by clear, appropriate legislation,” he said.
“But most importantly, Malaysians must understand what AI stands for.”
ARTDO (formerly the Asian Regional Training and Development Organisation), founded in 1974, is a non-profit international body comprising training institutions, HR practitioners and multinational companies.
This year’s Asia Pacific HRD Awards were presented to Yan Keng Cheng and Samson Lee Sung Hsien for their contributions to the field. - July 28, 2025
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