Malaysians excited yet nervous about AI, Ipsos survey finds

KUALA LUMPUR : The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a wave of optimism and apprehension worldwide, and Malaysia is no exception, according to a report from a global market research firm.

An Ipsos survey spanning 32 countries has revealed that while Malaysians are enthusiastic about AI’s potential, concerns about job security and the pace of technological change are also prevalent.

Two-thirds of global respondents claimed to have a good understanding of AI, a figure slightly lower in Malaysia compared with neighbouring Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.

“However, this is also tempered with a degree of nervousness. The impact of AI on the job market seems to be apparent to Malaysians, as they anticipate potential redundancies of their current jobs,” says Ipsos in the report.

Despite this, Malaysians expressed significant excitement about the technology’s possibilities.

However, this optimism is tempered by worries about job displacement. Many Malaysians fear that AI could render their current roles redundant.

On a positive note, Malaysians share the optimism of other Asian and developing countries about AI’s potential to drive economic growth and improve lives.

This contrasts with a more cautious outlook in European and developed markets.

As AI continues to integrate into daily life and workplaces, the need for regulations and talent development becomes increasingly urgent.