GEORGE TOWN, Aug 25 — The public should not be unduly worried about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as the technology will not take over the role of humans in the employment sector in the country, said Science Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
In fact, the technology will create more job opportunities that require high-tech and up-to-date skills.
”The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) does not see technology such as AI taking over or replacing humans in terms of jobs, but the jobs that will come require new sets of skills. Hence, a need to have a new training capacity.
“In fact, AI will also create a need for highly skilled workers because we need people to manage the maintenance systems of AI, IoT and so on,” he said.
Chang was speaking to the press after opening the STEM Showcase ’23, in conjunction with the Penang 2023 National Science Week Carnival earlier today.
He added the country is now focusing on a new curriculum that includes AI technology, coding and robotics with Mosti working with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Human Resources to establish a joint committee to further promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
“That is why Mosti focuses on fostering interest in STEM among students to produce the next generation of highly skilled workers,” Chang said.
Meanwhile, the minister announced an RM100,000 allocation to the Penang Tech Dome to continue its role in promoting science, technology and innovation (STI).
“The ministry fully supports programmes that foster interest in STI such as those carried out by Penang Tech Dome,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Chang said Mosti is targeting 1.7 million visitors, especially school students and students of higher education institutions to attend and participate in the 2023 National Science Week Carnival.
— Bernama
