DEPUTY Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today commended an event for convening “influential minds” to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence (HI) must function not as distinct forces, but “as interconnected forces that together drive meaningful growth”.
Opening the 2nd Annual Human Resource Development Conference 2025, held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, under the theme “AI + HI = New ROI”, Fadillah told an audience of over 150 industry leaders, policymakers, and human resource professionals that “Today’s conversations come at a pivotal time in our economic and technological evolution.”
“We are entering a new era where success is not defined by systems alone, but by how seamlessly we integrate AI into our human capital strategies.”
Reflecting on the shift in human resources following the pandemic caused by Covid-19, Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation noted that human resources had evolved from a support function into a strategic pillar, with the rise of AI-powered learning, hybrid work, and real-time talent analytics.
“Despite these changes, people are the heart of every organisation. Technology must empower, not replace; it enhances, not overshadow,” he stressed.
He underscored the importance of reskilling, upskilling, and lifelong learning, describing them as essential in a world where the ability to “learn, unlearn, and relearn” defines an organisation’s resilience.
Citing research that one in three Malaysians have never used AI at work, and that only 10% have done so once, Fadillah urged more inclusive and accessible AI adoption frameworks. He also emphasised that “we must ensure AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a means to build fair, ethical, and human-centred workplaces”.
Highlighting the role of diversity, equity and inclusion, he praised Malaysian organisations for pioneering GenAI adoption and cultivating cultures “where innovation and empathy walk hand in hand”.
Over the two-day event, the conference will cover topics such as next-generation onboarding, Gen Z workforce engagement, mental wellness, ethical AI recruitment, and sustainable HR leadership.
These, Fadillah said, are not future issues, but “present-day necessities.”
He reminded attendees: “The true return on investment lies not just in productivity, but in purpose. Not just in profit, but in people. And not just in artificial intelligence, but in our human potential to lead, to adapt, and to inspire.” - August 12, 2025
