Prepare for this job snatcher, think tank warns semi-skilled workers

The current workforce needs to keep up with technological change.

PETALING JAYA: An increase in the use of machines in the next two decades means semi-skilled workers should brace themselves for technology or risk doing menial jobs that are currently being done by foreign workers, a think tank has warned.

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) said it was crucial that workers in this category keep up with technological change.

“If Malaysian semi-skilled workers do not keep up with technological changes, they will face unemployment, or find themselves working in non-traditional jobs,” said IDEAS researcher Aryudin Proehoeman, referring to a report by Khazanah Research Institute, which said between 11-54% of current jobs in Malaysia could be affected by automation in 20 years.

“They might also see no growth in their wages,” he added.

He said the education system should also be tailored to prepare a workforce with more marketable skills.

“Because machines can now learn, certain jobs have now become fully automated, such as file clerks and switchboard operators,” he said.

He said the jobs that are spared of automation would include those that need creativity, personal engagements, perception and manipulation.

“Surgeons and teachers are also a protected class against automation.”

Aryudin said while automation can destroy jobs, it can also create new ones, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and personal services.

“The biggest challenge here is the Malaysian workforce not being able to prepare themselves for the new jobs that technology creates,” he said.

He added that if Malaysians are not able to prepare themselves for future jobs, they could end up in jobs such as childcare, cleaning and cooking, or “see themselves changing jobs a lot more frequently than before”.

“To prepare for the future we have to be able to respond to the rise of independent work and disruptions to existing jobs.

“We must build a culture of life-long learning and constant reskilling of our workforce to meet ever-changing needs,” he said. -FMT