GEORGE TOWN, Aug 25 — New technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) will not replace humans in the workplace but it will create new jobs that require high technological skill sets, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang today.
He said people should not fear the introduction of new technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics.
“Technology will not take over our jobs but it will lessen labour-intensive work,” he said.
“It will create a need for highly skilled workers because we will need people to manage the AI system, the IoT, the sensors,” he added in his speech at the launch of the STEM showcase at Han Chiang High School here.
He said previously the focus was on brick and mortar but now, the focus should be on creating new syllabus that included AI, coding and robotics.
He said this is the reason why the ministry is focused on cultivating an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) among students to produce future generations of highly skilled workers.
He said this is why the ministry is setting up a special committee with the Education Ministry, Higher Education Ministry and Human Resources Ministry to promote interest in STEM among students.
He said there was a drop of about 5 per cent of students in the STEM stream between 2017 and 2022.
He said the ministry is fully supportive of programmes that cultivate interest in science, technology and innovation (STI) such as those by Penang Tech Dome.
He also announced a RM100,000 allocation to Penang Tech Dome so that will could continue its role in promoting interests in STI.
