UNIVERSITI Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has introduced an AI Skills Passport to help students assess their artificial intelligence (AI) skills against the changing requirements of the job market.
The initiative, launched through the AI Skills Passport: The Future of Work programme at UTM Hotel and Residence here, allows students to assess their existing competencies, identify gaps and determine the skills they need to develop.
The passport uses a Future Job Intelligence Engine to match individual skills with changing job requirements, giving students an indication of how their capabilities measure up against workplace expectations.
The programme is a collaboration between UTM’s Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, UTMSPACE Services Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Consortium, Twenty30 Digital Sdn Bhd and Nation Dev.
UTM vice-chancellor Prof Ts Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said closer cooperation between universities and industry was needed as AI continued to change the workplace.
“The way we work is changing as AI becomes increasingly integrated across organisations and professions.
“Preparing for the future of work is not only about producing more AI specialists; we also need to develop a wider workforce that is AI-ready,” he said.
Mohd Shafry said universities could provide the foundation for skills development, while industry could help ensure those skills remained relevant to workplace needs.
The programme also focuses on moving beyond basic AI awareness towards skills that can be assessed and recognised.
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Public Policy Advocate, Former Member of Parliament and Chairperson of Suluh Centre, also delivered a keynote address, entitled “Preparing Malaysia’s Talent for an AI-Driven Future of Work: Navigating the Risks and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence Systems.”
Under the 12-Month AI Workforce Readiness Loop, participants undergo skills assessment, targeted training and reassessment to track their progress.
Students and educators also took part in interactive sessions on the AI Skills Passport, including its application in learning, teaching and career preparation.
UTM said the initiative was intended to strengthen the link between education and employment as employers adapt to the growing use of AI across industries. – October 7, 2026
