Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is committed to empowering the development of the country’s human capital by boosting the offering of skills-based courses that can help workers prepare for the demands of the current and future job markets, in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KESUMA’s Minister, Steven Sim, stated that this initiative includes reviewing the syllabus for skills courses at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under its supervision to incorporate elements of artificial intelligence (AI). Sim emphasized the importance of including basic AI skills in the curriculum to ensure that even those trainees who may not enter tech-related fields possess foundational knowledge in AI, given its pervasive impact across all sectors of employment and life.

Currently, there are 33 Industrial Training Institutes (ILPs) supervised by KESUMA under TVET. Sim mentioned plans to expand cooperation with other TVET institutions and private training providers to strengthen technology-based training. Additionally, there are initiatives to extend short-term courses and AI literacy programs to the general public, including housewives, aiming to prepare all societal segments for technological transformation.

Sim noted that technological advancements, including AI, digitalisation, and the green economy, are rapidly evolving, significantly affecting the country’s job market. To address these challenges, KESUMA prepared a report at the end of last year to study the impact of future technology on Malaysia’s workforce. This report, based on input from industry players across 10 main economic sectors, serves as a vital guide for the government in shaping policies for skills training and future workforce planning.

Through the report, potential job risks and emerging job opportunities were identified, highlighting the necessity for upskilling and reskilling strategies to maintain employee relevance and competitiveness. In alignment with these goals, KESUMA, through TalentCorp, launched the MyMahir portal, which aligns new skill requirements with appropriate training courses. This portal aids not only Malaysians but also policymakers and companies, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in making informed plans to tackle today’s technological challenges.