AI and the evolution of human work

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the question of whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace human jobs has loomed large.

The fear of automation disrupting the current labour scenario is palpable, but is it an ‘impending doom’ or a catalyst for a more efficient and advanced future of work?

According to the Head of Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Madya Normaziah Abdul Aziz, AI is not here to replace but to reshape the workforce.

In the AKEPT Leadership Talk Series, she emphasised that technological advancements necessitate a shift in job roles to align with emerging innovations, much like previous industrial revolutions.

“The adaptation to the technology will disrupt the current work ecosystem, challenging our labour force to align with this shift,” she asserted during the forum entitled “Kesediaan Kepimpinan Dalam Menghadapai Arus Perubahan: Perkembangan Kecerdasan Buatan (AI)”, held at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT) on November 15th.

The engaging discussion featured prominent panellists, including the Director of Digital Health Development at UCrest Berhad, Viva Shaik Farid and the Head of Robotics and Product Development at Sime Darby Plantation, Abdullah Zawawi Mohamed.

The event, graced by the Deputy Director of the Centre for Leadership Sustainability (CLS) at Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), Azrul Izham Hamzah; the Acting President/Chief Executive Officer of UniKL, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin, and the Dean of UniKL MIIT, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Nizam Husen, delved into the dynamic realm of AI’s impact on leadership and workforce dynamics.

Co-organised by AKEPT and UniKL MIIT through its Center For Advancement & Continuing Education (ACE), the forum served as a scholarly platform to prepare individuals, especially in leadership roles, for the waves of change driven by AI technology.

The event witnessed the active participation of 120 individuals, comprising employees and education management personnel, reflecting the urgency and significance of the discussions at hand.

The forum tackled critical aspects, including human roles in using and developing AI, its comprehensive implications on leadership, socio-economic factors, and workforce structuring.

As the world navigates this transformative era, it is evident that AI is not a threat to human jobs but a call for reevaluating skill sets and a proactive embrace of change.