Artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technology are slowly revolutionizing how Malaysians live and work. Whether it’s ordering food or chatting with e-commerce bots, AI is managing instant communications behind the scenes.
In the early 2025, The Malaysian government's MyDIGITAL plan was in full swing which drove investments in AI and 5G across industries. Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) reported to have 5G coverage nationwide, which laid the foundation for urban use cases. A national AI office has also been initiated to develop policies and a roadmap through 2030. And together, these efforts are creating the path for smarter and more efficient experiences powered by AI.
Despite DNB’s goals for 85% of rural coverage, gaps still remain in rural education and micro businesses. Rural schools struggle with reliable internet and small businesses can’t afford or properly incorporate AI tools into their operations.
Over 73% of Malaysians worry that AI might lead to job losses. National statistics show that more than 293,000 jobs have been lost to AI since 2020, which focused mainly on manufacturing, retail and professional services.
Government statistics show that over 30% of Malaysian jobs will be changed by AI in the next coming decade, with opportunities for reskilling. Experts do stress that the importance of workforce reskilling and noting initiatives through the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) and other agencies are aimed at closing the digital divide and gaining digital literacy.
Malaysia’s future of digital is full of promises, but for it to be completely and truly inclusive, inclusion must be intentional. We also need a widespread use of digital literacy programmes, rural broadband access, affordable AI tools and also support systems for the elderly and lower-skilled workers. It is only then that every Malaysian, regardless of which area they’re from or age, feel empowered in a world increasingly shaped by AI and 5G.
Stephanie Pereira (stephaniexpereira@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact creator@newswav.com.
