KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Oct – Held under the theme of “Empowering Young Leaders for a Digital Future”, the International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFUTURE 2025) brought together students, policymakers, and industry experts to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will reshape the world of work and how Malaysia must prepare its people to lead this transformation.
One of the most anticipated sessions was the Ministerial Forum titled “The Impact of AI on the Future Workforce,” which sparked a bold and inspiring conversation about the future of jobs, leadership, and the role of youth in an AI-powered era.
Moderated by Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, Chairman of the UTM Board of Directors, the forum featured two national leaders at the heart of Malaysia’s digital transformation: YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, and YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital.
Tan Sri Azman opened the session with a striking reminder: “The future is already here. AI allows us to ask anything. But the real question is—do we know what to ask?” In a world flooded with information, he urged that understanding, context, and critical questioning are now more valuable than memorising facts.
He highlighted global studies projecting that 30–39% of jobs could be disrupted by 2030, while Malaysia estimates up to 620,000 local jobs could be automated. Yet, he reminded the audience that history shows disruption also creates new industries. When automobiles replaced horse carriages, no one predicted the rise of insurance, marketing, and logistics. AI will do the same, and those who adapt will thrive.
A powerful insight came from YB Fahmi, who cited a McKinsey report revealing that students and employees are more ready to embrace AI than many senior leaders. “Leaders are cautious because they manage entire organisations. But young people are curious and fearless—and that is an advantage,” he said. The most important skill in the AI era, he stressed, is not technical ability but mindset. “It’s no longer ‘to be or not to be.’ The question now is ‘What is the question?’ The ability to think, ask, learn, unlearn and relearn will define future leaders.”
He added that despite AI’s capabilities, it cannot replace human creativity or emotional connection. “There is nothing like a live concert. AI can generate 10 designs, but the final emotional touch still comes from us.” His message to youth was clear: lifelong learning is not optional—it is survival. “Your education doesn’t end with your degree. Your real education begins there.”
YB Gobind focused on another critical element: trust. “You can have data, connectivity, and AI—but if people don’t trust it, they won’t use it.” He warned that virtual AI agents—digital companions we interact with daily—will soon be part of life, raising questions of privacy, mental health, and ethics. The government, he said, is proactively developing digital trust frameworks, strengthening data governance, and legislating AI responsibly to protect citizens.
At the same time, Malaysia is positioning itself as an AI-driven nation. The digital economy contributed 23% to Malaysia’s GDP in 2023 and is projected to rise to 30% by 2030. With 97% of local businesses being SMEs and micro-SMEs, AI adoption must go beyond big companies. Initiatives such as tax rebates for AI adoption, cybersecurity support, and skills development programmes reflect the government’s commitment. “Government can build the runway,” YB Gobind said, “but the youth are the pilots.”
Both ministers agreed that universities must evolve from traditional lecture halls into innovation ecosystems. YB Fahmi issued a clear challenge: “If your university does not already have an AI Club, start one. Run hackathons. Build AI ethics labs. Change the culture. The future begins on campus.” He shared the example of a recent hackathon where one university dominated the finalists—not by luck, but by fostering collaboration and experimentation through student-led clubs.
Throughout the forum, one message was clear: AI is not just a technological shift—it is a societal shift. The future workforce cannot rely on rote learning when AI can retrieve answers instantly. Instead, the most valuable skills will be adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership. AI will not replace humans—but humans who understand and leverage AI will lead the future.
As the session concluded, the atmosphere was not fearful but energised. Youth were not seen as passive observers of change, but as pioneers of a new era. Tan Sri Azman reminded the audience that the future will not be shaped by machines, but by people with courage, imagination, and purpose. YB Gobind emphasised that Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 vision depends on bold, forward-thinking leaders. And YB Fahmi left the audience with a challenge: “Learn something new every day. Be curious. Be brave.”
At iFUTURE 2025, one truth resonated deeply: AI will change how we live, learn, and work but it also gives us the opportunity to build a better future. The question is not whether AI will shape our world, but whether we will have the vision and leadership to shape it with humanity at the centre. If the passion in the Merdeka Hall was any indication, Malaysia’s next generation is more than ready.
Source: UTM NewsHub
