Across Malaysia, AI is delivering tangible benefits at the workplace, but it is also redefining the nature of work as we know it. As a result, the skills Malaysians need to succeed in the AI economy are rapidly evolving.
Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index highlights that 59% of managers in Malaysia expect AI upskilling to become a core responsibility for their teams within just five years. Globally, LinkedIn data shows AI literacy is now the most in-demand skill of 2025.
Malaysians from diverse backgrounds are stepping up to meet this challenge. From retail to cybersecurity, learners across industries are building AI confidence through Microsoft’s skilling initiatives — often starting with small, practical experiences that lead to powerful new ways of working, creating, and problem-solving.
Turning AI fears into optimism
As AI advances, many worry it may make human skills and certain jobs obsolete. This “fear of obsolescence” or “FOBO” is real: 73% of Malaysians believe AI will lead to job losses, according to an Ipsos poll from January 2025.
Anselm Ong, a sales associate at KLIA, understands FOBO well. “I used to think AI would take over human jobs,” he admits. But his fears gave way to a new sense of optimism after joining the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)’s Microsoft AI TEACH program.
The program showed Anselm how to prompt using tools like Microsoft Copilot to automate repetitive tasks, analyze sales data, and improve customer engagement. Now, AI has become a valuable daily companion.
Anselm didn’t keep his skills to himself — he began teaching colleagues and friends how to use AI too. “If AI can help me, it can help others,” he says. “It’s a huge leap for all of us.”
Anselm’s experience shows that with the right skills, anyone can thrive in the era of AI. His advice? “Don’t be afraid to explore AI. Ask questions, think outside the box, and be brave.”
Supercharging passion and creativity
AI isn’t just transforming work, it’s also helping Malaysians to unlock creativity and pursue passions that once felt out of reach.
For Mimi Sahila, a conveyancing clerk from Selangor, AI fueled her creativity in unexpected ways. Outside her day job, Mimi shares a love of music with her husband, Adrin. While music had always been something they enjoyed together, things changed when Mimi joined the MCMC-Microsoft AI TEACH program.
“The program helped me see AI in a new way. AI wasn’t just used at work – we could use it for something we love”, Mimi shares. Using Microsoft Copilot, they began co-creating lyrics, brainstorming themes, and building the stories behind their songs.
“We still inject our own stories into every piece, and Copilot helps get us started when we’re stuck. It’s like having a creative buddy,” says Mimi. Neither Mimi nor Adrin were tech experts, but their story proves anyone can grow, connect, and create with AI.
Leveling the playing field for women
Growing up in a small town in Terengganu, Syafiqah Amirah had big dreams of landing a career in cybersecurity – an industry where women currently represent only 14% of professionals across the Asia Pacific region. Despite the barriers, she was determined to build a future in technology and joined Microsoft’s Ready4AI&Security skilling program.
The program helped Syafiqah gain the tools, technical skills, and confidence she needed to stand out during her cybersecurity internship, ultimately landing her a full-time role as an Associate Detection Engineer.
“AI has helped me strengthen my ability to detect threats and respond faster,” Syafiqah explains. From summarizing logs to generating insights from complex data, AI tools now support her daily work.
Building an inclusive AI future for Malaysia
Malaysians like Anselm, Mimi, and Syafiqah are proving that AI can complement and augment human potential. For AI to uplift everyone, inclusive skilling, trusted infrastructure, and a supportive ecosystem are essential.
Microsoft, through its BINA AI Malaysia commitment, is working alongside government, industry, and communities to build an AI-ready nation. Initiatives like AI for Malaysia’s Future are driving AI skilling opportunities at all levels of society, with over 400,000 Malaysians equipped to date and a target to upskill 800,000 by the end of 2025.
As part of BINA AI Malaysia, Microsoft is also partnering with the National AI Office (NAIO), EY and PETRONAS Leadership Centre to create the Microsoft National AI Innovation Center. The Center will serve as a dedicated hub for building Malaysia’s AI capabilities and accelerating Malaysia’s AI development.
Together, these efforts will help ensure that AI isn’t just powering the workplace, but creating opportunities for every Malaysian to thrive in the growing AI economy.
Start your own AI journey today with the Microsoft AI Skills Navigator: aka.ms/aiskillsnavigator.