KUALA LUMPUR: Companies across Southeast Asia are accelerating efforts to reskill employees as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries, with demand for AI literacy growing beyond technical roles, experts say.

While AI specialists remain in demand, businesses increasingly seek employees with AI-enhanced decision-making, workflow automation, and ethical AI governance skills, said Laurel McKenzie, Principal Behavioural Scientist at coaching platform CoachHub.

"A growth mindset with respect to AI is needed. Employees need to be open to learning in order to benefit from AI before they can be upskilled or reskilled," McKenzie told Astro AWANI in a written interview. 

In Malaysia, over 30% of jobs could be impacted by AI within the next decade, particularly in manufacturing, IT, and services.

A separate report warned that 620,000 jobs across key industries could be at risk without workforce reskilling.

According to a study, 84% of Malaysian knowledge workers use AI tools at work, above the global average.

However, the majority of workers learn AI skills independently, and there are disparities in knowledge and security concerns.

To address this, Malaysia has launched the MyMahir platform and the Future Skils Talent Council, while Singapore plans to triple its AI-skilled workforce.

"AI is about job transformation, not job displacement,

"Successful companies ensure employees see AI as a tool to enhance work, not replace them," McKenzie said.

Instead of replacing human-led coaching, AI offers real-time guidance and skill development tailored to employees’ needs.

“By integrating AI to support, rather than disrupt, professional growth, companies are setting a strong precedent for AI-driven learning and development,” said McKenzie.

Despite growing AI adoption, businesses in Southeast Asia face several challenges in training employees.

A lack of structured AI education, AI-skilled trainers, and accessible upskilling pathways remains a major hurdle, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Successful AI transitions require top-down leadership support and a workplace culture that encourages AI experimentation,” McKenzie said.

Over the next decade, AI is expected to redefine job roles rather than eliminate them. Automation will replace repetitive tasks, while AI-augmented roles will emerge across industries, requiring AI fluency, critical thinking, and human oversight.

“AI will function as an intelligent co-pilot, allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks requiring creativity, intuition, and ethical judgment,” according to McKenzie.

To stay competitive, businesses must invest in AI literacy at all levels, integrate structured upskilling programs, foster an AI-positive workplace culture, and redesign job roles for AI collaboration.

“The businesses that embrace this transformation early and empower employees with AI skills will drive greater innovation and long-term success,” said McKenzie.