Artificial Intelligence (AI) could replace as many as 30 percent of jobs worldwide by 2030, according to AI expert and author James Barrat. “Nearly half of all entry-level white-collar jobs could vanish within the next 5 years. The world is standing on the edge of a massive employment shift driven by AI and automation. From factories, to office, to transportation." He said during his keynote speech titled ‘The Intelligence Explosion: When AI Beats Humans At Everything’ for the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS 2025) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. (www.theborneopost.com)
Barrat, best known for his book, ‘Our Final Invention’ added, “Tech giant IBM has eliminated 8,000 human resources jobs. Goldman Sachs, the investment company, says AI will replace 300 million jobs worldwide. This is just slightly less than the population of the United States. So, reskilling or retraining schemes may not be enough to help workers affected by AI and automation. On the brighter note, there is still hope for employees who focus on jobs that tap into the uniqueness of humans that cannot be replicated by AI. Jobs involving traits that requires emotional intelligence, childcare, teaching & therapy.”
It is spot on for the commitment to achieving our goal of becoming an AI Nation by 2030 has been significant underscored by strategic investments within Belanjawan MADANI 2026 announced by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Parliament on 10 October, 2025. The Government's continued commitment to AI development is also reflected in the RM18.1 million allocation for National AI Office (NAIO) to spur Malaysia's digital transformation. (www.digital.gov.my>en-GB<)
In support of the Government's AI transformation initiatives, Senator Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud, former President of Malaysian Trade Union Congress said, “We've no choice but to get our workforce to be fully aware and quickly trained for digital literacy & AI competency into tangible inclusive outcomes. To overcome jobs displaced by AI, let's focus on developing unique human skills like EQ, creativity, and complex problem-solving, embrace for a lifelong learning to upskill in areas that complement AI. So, Malaysian workforce must build effective professional presence to highlight our unique contributions.
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