Kuala lumpur: Malaysia should leverage its strengths to become a producer of globally competitive technologies while preparing a future-ready workforce to capitalise on Asia's economic rise, Strategic Intelligence co-founder Professor Henrik von Scheel said. He emphasized Malaysia's strategic position as the global economic centre of gravity shifts towards Asia, offering the nation an opportunity to influence future industries and workforce policies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, von Scheel highlighted the importance of Malaysia strengthening industries where it holds strategic advantages, particularly in technology, which plays a crucial role in global supply chains. He encouraged Malaysia to define its future workforce needs and target influential industries. "It is your time to decide what the workforce is going to be for the future, which skills you need and which industries will have an influence on Malaysia," he remarked at the Malaysia Employers Federation (MEF) Leadership Circle Breakfast networking session.
Von Scheel, known for originating Industry 4.0, also spoke on the significance of MEF in assisting industries to prepare for economic transformation by proactively identifying future workforce requirements. He urged employers to focus on sectors where Malaysia's strengths are irreplaceable, ensuring workers are equipped for future industry demands.
Discussing artificial intelligence (AI), von Scheel advocated for prioritizing governance and data protection alongside technological advancement, cautioning against 'shadow AI', where employees might expose confidential corporate information on public AI platforms. "AI is a spying tool, and AI is the biggest infringement on intellectual capital," he warned, urging MEF to establish internal standards on AI implementation.
He emphasized the need for companies to develop internal AI policies to safeguard sensitive business information from exposure via publicly accessible AI systems. Despite advancements in automation, he stressed the importance of continuing to invest in human capital, suggesting AI should enhance rather than replace human expertise.
During the session, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Strategic Alliance, MEF, and the Asia Centre of Leadership and Civilisation. This MoU aims to develop future-ready leaders and organizations for Malaysia's next industrial era. MEF's chief executive, Datuk Seri Rosman Mohamed, noted that the MoU would emphasize knowledge transfer, strategic intelligence sharing, and leadership development programs to support Malaysia's growth by uniting civil society, the government, and the corporate sector.
MEF, representing over 8,000 companies nationwide, is Malaysia's leading employer federation dedicated to driving the nation's economic progress.