*Key Highlights:*
1. High AI Usage Among Malaysian Workers: The report indicates that 84% of Malaysian knowledge workers use AI at work, surpassing the global average of 75%. These employees find AI beneficial for saving time, boosting creativity, and focusing on important tasks.
2. Leadership and AI Vision Gaps: Despite high AI usage, 66% of Malaysian leaders worry their organisations lack a clear AI strategy. As a result, 83% of Malaysian AI users bring their own AI tools to work, raising concerns about data security and missed opportunities for strategic AI deployment.
3. Rise of AI Power Users: In Malaysia, AI power users—those who frequently use AI to save significant time—are becoming more common. About 85% of these users start their day with AI, though only 22% receive tailored AI training for their roles, underscoring the need for targeted skill development.
4. AI Skills in Hiring Decisions: Malaysian leaders prioritise AI skills in hiring, with 65% preferring candidates with AI expertise over more experienced candidates lacking these skills. This trend reflects the growing importance of AI proficiency in the job market.
5. Corporate AI Adoption: Prominent Malaysian organisations like Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Johor Corporation (JCorp) are integrating AI tools to drive business transformation. These companies are focusing on enhancing employee skills and leveraging AI for strategic growth and operational efficiency.
6. AI Training and Tools: To support the growing demand for AI skills, Microsoft and LinkedIn have introduced new capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot and expanded AI learning resources. These include over 600 AI courses and 50 new free courses available through 8 July.
As Malaysia embraces AI, businesses are recognising the necessity of a new talent strategy focused on agility and skill development. The report suggests that leaders must invest in AI training and create a culture ready for technological change to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving landscape.
"With AI becoming a business imperative, leaders must demonstrate more appetite for
rapid experimentation to business transformation,” said K Raman, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.
