A recent study conducted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) reveals promising insights into the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) skills on the Malaysian workforce. The research suggests that individuals equipped with AI expertise could witness salary increases of more than 40%, with workers in the IT and research and development sectors projected to experience the highest pay hikes.
The study, titled “Accelerating AI Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the Future,” surveyed over 1,600 workers and 500 employers in Malaysia to gauge emerging trends in AI usage and skill requirements.
Findings indicate that while hiring AI-skilled talent is a priority for nearly nine out of ten employers, a staggering 81% struggle to find the necessary AI expertise, signaling a potential skills gap in the country.
Furthermore, the research highlights a strong desire among workers of all generations to acquire AI skills, with 92% of Gen Z, 92% of Millennials, 90% of Gen X, and even 94% of Baby Boomers expressing interest in developing AI competencies.
Employers envision significant productivity gains of up to 57% as AI technology enhances workflow efficiency, fosters skill acquisition, and improves communication within organizations.
AWS, recognising the importance of AI skills in driving future workforce readiness, has been actively involved in training initiatives in Malaysia.
Since 2017, AWS has trained over 100,000 individuals in cloud computing skills, with a particular focus on preparing the workforce for the AI-dominated future.
The company’s ‘AI Ready’ initiative, launched in November 2023, aims to provide free AI and generative AI training courses to individuals, complementing its broader goal of training 29 million individuals globally in cloud skills by 2025.
The research underscores the need for collaborative efforts between governments, industries, and educators to bridge the AI skills gap effectively.
Greater emphasis on implementing AI training programs and guiding workers towards relevant career paths is essential to unlock the full potential of AI in Malaysia’s workforce.
With the rapid adoption of cloud-enabled technologies like AI, upskilling the workforce remains critical for organizations to innovate and thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
AWS continues to play a pivotal role in providing accessible and comprehensive training resources to individuals across various skill levels, ensuring they are well-prepared for the AI-driven future.
