KUALA LUMPUR: The government is adopting a holistic approach to prepare Malaysia’s workforce for the challenges posed by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), including the risk of job displacement, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said the ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive review through the National Labour and Human Resources Policy Study, which includes aspects of reskilling and upskilling. The study is expected to be completed in 2026.
“To minimise the negative impact and maximise the positive potential of technological advancement, we are implementing several major initiatives focusing on human capital development through reskilling and upskilling, strategic industry-academia partnerships, and strengthened social protection programmes,” Sim said in a parliamentary written reply on Monday (July 28).
He was responding to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who had asked whether the government intends to introduce a large-scale policy for reskilling and upskilling workers at risk of losing their jobs due to advancements in AI, along with the implementation and funding details of such efforts.
Sim said that as a first step, TalentCorp has conducted a study on the impact of AI, digitalisation, and the green economy on Malaysia’s workforce.
Based on the findings, he said the ministry has developed the MyMAHIR.my digital portal as a one-stop reference centre for future job roles, required skills and training programmes aligned with current labour market needs.
To ensure skills development meets industry demands, he said the MyMAHIR Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC) has also been established, led by key industry players.
“This council is responsible for identifying training requirements and selecting suitable training centres,” he said.
Sim added that the Department of Skills Development (JPK) has taken proactive steps to address the challenges of automation by developing new National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) geared towards future job demands.
“So far, more than 120 NOSS related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) have been introduced.
“These standards cover fields such as industrial automation, robotics, AI, cyber-physical systems and data analytics, and are implemented in over 3,600 accredited centres using modular approaches to accelerate workforce reskilling and upskilling,” he said.
According to him, government is also expanding the Industry-Based Academy (ADI) programme, which allows existing employees to undergo training at their workplace without having to leave their jobs.
He said this approach is supported by flexible certification pathways, such as Recognition of Prior Achievement (PPT) and micro-credentials, as well as strategic industry collaboration to involve employers directly.
“These efforts aim to produce a resilient workforce capable of transitioning from high-risk jobs to emerging growth sectors like smart logistics, renewable energy, agricultural automation and cybersecurity.”
At the same time, he said the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) continues to provide upskilling and reskilling programmes through levy contributions from eligible employers.
“As of June 2025, 101,506 employers and 4.84 million workers have registered with HRD Corp, with 24.75 million training placements approved in the same period.”
Meanwhile, he said the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) has also been actively offering reskilling and upskilling initiatives to insured individuals who have lost their jobs and require new skills to remain employable.
“Between Jan 1 and July 4, 2025, a total of 5,403 individuals participated in these programmes.”
To support access to training, Sim said the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) has allocated RM100 million in training grants under the 2025 High-Impact Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Financing Scheme.
“This funding will benefit 4,167 trainees across seven key high-growth, high-value sectors, including artificial intelligence,” he said.
Yunus, A., Tan, T., & Gimino, G. (2025, July 29). Govt taking holistic approach to prepare workforce for AI disruptions, HR Minister tells Parliament. The Star. Retrieved August 19, 2025, from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/2025/07/29/govt-taking-holistic-approach-to-prepare-workforce-for-ai-disruptions-hr-minister-tells-parliament
- Malaysia to join Global Coalition for Social Justice next year
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia intends to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) next year. The Human Resources Ministry in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 21) said the matter was revealed by its minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a casual meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour […] - Flextronics Union Busting Case Still Being Discussed Amicably, MOHR
The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) confirmed that complaints of alleged union busting involving Flextronics Penang and XSD International Paper are still being addressed through amicable negotiations. In a written reply to Tan Hong Pin (Bakri) during the Dewan Rakyat session today, the ministry stated that the Department of Industrial Relations Malaysia (JPPM) has received […] - KESUMA bangun platform latihan baharu untuk pekerja
KUALA LUMPUR: Kementerian Sumber Manusia (KESUMA) sedang membangunkan platform program latihan baharu yang diluluskan pakar industri dan boleh diakses semua lapisan masyarakat. Menteri Sumber Manusia Steven Sim Chee Keong berkata program itu akan memilih dan menghimpunkan kursus kemahiran terbaik yang ditawarkan oleh penyedia latihan dalam dan antarabangsa. “Program pendidikan untuk pekerja kita perlu mengandungi komponen […] - NHCCE 2025 concludes three transformative days of empowering the workforce of tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE) 2025 has concluded at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), marking the end of three impactful days under the theme ‘Navigating the Human Capital Revolution’. The conference reaffirms its position as Malaysia’s premier platform for thought leadership, collaboration and innovation in the field […] - Malaysia’s worker productivity up 2.4pc per worker in 2024 as govt targets fewer foreign labour
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Malaysia’s worker productivity increased by 2.4 per cent in 2024, with value added per worker amounting to RM99,265 compared to RM96,914 in the previous year, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong said the rate was calculated based on the value of […] - 246 aduan Union Busting diterima, KESUMA pastikan hak pekerja terbela
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Oktober– Hak kebebasan pekerja menubuhkan serta menyertai kesatuan sekerja akan terus dilindungi terutama dari segi penindasan atau amalan union busting. Timbalan Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad berkatasejak tahun 2015 hingga 31 Ogos lepas, sebanyak 246 aduan berkaitan amalan union busting telah diterima oleh Jabatan Perhubungan Perusahaan Malaysia (JPPM). “Berdasarkan […] - TVET just got a major upgrade with RM7.9b in Budget 2026 to power Malaysia’s high-tech future
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — The increased allocation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to RM7.9 billion under Budget 2026 reflects the government’s strong commitment to nurturing a skilled, high-income and innovative workforce. National TVET Council (MTVET) member Howard Lee Chuan How said the focus on key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence […] - Budget 2026 introduces enhanced EPF scheme for gig workers, self-employed to boost savings
PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will roll out several initiatives next year to boost retirement savings and social protection, particularly for informal and self-employed workers, under Budget 2026. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will introduce i-Saraan Plus, an enhanced voluntary contribution scheme designed for gig workers, e-hailing drivers […] - 2026 Budget: SMEs, microbusinesses to benefit from stamp duty relief, RM1bil digital financing
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will raise the salary threshold for employment contracts exempted from stamp duty — from RM300 to RM3,000 per month — effective Jan 1, 2026. The move, announced under the 2026 Budget by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament, aims to further ease the cost of doing business by reducing […] - Govt rules out gig firms’ mandatory contributions to Socso, for now
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 9): Malaysia has no immediate plan to compel gig economy platforms to make mandatory social security contributions though the government will consider the proposal for future policy improvements. The government recognises the need to preserve the flexibility and independence that define gig work, which distinguishes gig workers from conventional full-time employees under […]