Balanced Usage of AI, Gig Economy and e-commerce Necessary To Prevent Social Problems - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Rapid technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the gig economy, and e-commerce must be balanced with well-managed workforce planning and regulation to prevent social problems and negative implications for the local job market.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said that if technological developments are allowed to run too freely without any regulation, it risks affecting workers' welfare and damaging the existing business ecosystem.

“On the government's part, we want to encourage it, but it comes at a price. Meaning if it is too free without regulation, there will be consequences. If too many citizens lose their jobs or do not get fair wages, that is why there is pressure.

“So I see there must be a balance between allowing companies and businesses to do some 'creative destruction', but not to the extent of causing damage and social problems, and not to the point of disrupting public order,” he said.

He said this when serving as a panelist for the Dialogue Session 'Technology Driving Change: Is Malaysian Talent Ready?' in conjunction with the Launching of the Communications and Multimedia Future Skills Framework (C&M FSF) and Strategic Talent Development Initiative at Angkasapuri here today.

Also present as dialogue panelists were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan.

Meanwhile, when met after the event, Fahmi gave assurances to university students, university graduates, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions that the emergence of new technologies also leads to the creation of new employment fields.

“In the sectors under the care of the Ministry of Communications, there are several things that companies need to take into account, including bachelor's degree graduates, university leavers, and those who may come from TVET fields.

“On the government's part, we will strive to ensure the available number of jobs allows these companies to hire more people, especially youths,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a joint media statement with the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), it was informed that the launch of the C&M FSF - spearheaded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) - serves as a strategic reference for talent development in the sector for the next five to 10 years.

To ensure the implementation of this national reference framework achieve its targets, the Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC) has been established under the leadership of KESUMA in collaboration with MCMC, while MoHE acts to strengthen the curriculum and competencies of graduates in line with future industry needs.

-- BERNAMA