AI Has Yet To Be Utilized By One In Three Malaysians At Work

One in three Malaysians have never used AI at work, and an additional 10 percent have used AI tools only once, revealing a notable gap in AI skill development in Malaysia. This information comes from Randstad’s 9th annual Employer Brand Research in Malaysia.

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The generation gap in AI usage widens, with 42 percent of Gen Xers and 73 percent of Baby Boomers in Malaysia never having used AI. This data is from a January 2024 study by Kantar TNS, which surveyed over 173,000 people globally, including 2,500 Malaysians.

The study revealed that over 20% of employees use AI regularly at work, with higher rates among Gen Z (36%) and Millennials (24%). In Malaysia, 81% acknowledge AI’s job impact. Despite many Gen Xers lacking AI exposure, 71% foresee its career influence, akin to Gen Z (74%) and Millennials (73%) who are more acquainted with AI.

The study found that 45% of respondents believe AI will enhance their job satisfaction. Those currently using AI and individuals with higher education levels are particularly optimistic about its impact. 

Randstad Malaysia’s country director, Fahad Naeem, highlighted that the annual research provides employers with insights into talent perceptions and trends, including skill development and fairness. He emphasized that AI will reshape skill requirements and workforce dynamics, urging investment in talent development to attract skilled workers to Malaysia.

The advent of AI is exhilarating, yet employees naturally contemplate its implications for their careers. Early exposure to new technologies can enhance career prospects and foster organizational skill development. Employers must proactively support their employees’ skill growth amidst AI integration, given its swift and far-reaching advancements.

Additionally, the survey found that 10% of respondents lacked sufficient development opportunities in their roles. In a competitive job market, employees without upskilling chances and career advancement opportunities are twice as likely to leave organizations (63%) compared to those who receive them (31%).

“Attractive salary and benefits” ranked highest among respondents seeking an ideal employer in Malaysia, followed closely by “good work-life balance”. “Effective management” has regained prominence, reclaiming the third spot among employer value propositions after dropping to fifth place in 2023.

A significant factor driving job changes is poor work-life balance, cited by 48% of job switchers seeking improvement. One-third of Malaysians leave their jobs due to inadequate salaries and increasing living expenses. The study highlighted that 35% did not receive financial assistance from their employers to manage rising costs, while 34% saw their pay increase partially offset these expenses, with only 10% receiving one-time financial aid.

Fahad noted that rising living costs in the past two years have led many Malaysians to pursue higher-paying jobs, as salaries struggle to keep pace. Financial stress among employees can affect work performance, while some sought-after professionals are cautious about changing jobs amid global economic uncertainty. Organizations recruiting talent should consider both candidate salary expectations and competitive market averages, according to Fahad.