Investment In Skills Vital To Ensure No Worker Left Behind In AI Transformation - Houngbo

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is supporting Malaysia’s efforts in strengthening workforce readiness and skill development, ensuring the country remains competitive and inclusive as artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies transform the world of work.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said technological progress is reshaping industries worldwide, making it essential for governments and businesses to invest in continuous upskilling and reskilling.

“In this era of AI, we must ensure that technology serves people, not the other way around. The ILO attaches great importance to skill development because it is the only way to ensure workers are not left behind as the world of work transforms,” he said in an exclusive interview, here today.

According to Houngbo, the organisation is supporting member states, including Malaysia, in updating policies for emerging forms of employment and ensuring that new jobs created in the technology sector provide dignity, protection and a decent living wage.

He noted that the ILO is also discussing a potential international convention on the platform economy to balance innovation with worker protection, an area where Malaysia has taken proactive legislative steps.

“We are working with our member states to make sure that the new forms of work brought by technology are accompanied by proper policies and protections. The goal is to ensure that these new jobs are dignified, sustainable and provide a decent living for all workers,” he said.

During his first visit to Malaysia, Houngbo also participated in the Global Skills Forum (GSF) 2025, describing it as a crucial platform for collective action on workforce readiness while praising Malaysia for hosting the event and leading ASEAN’s decision to designate 2025 as the ‘Year of Skills’ which he described as a timely move for regional cooperation.

He said many economies are already facing a skills mismatch, with shortages in some industries and unemployment in others, underscoring the need for stronger systems of skills recognition across countries as labour mobility increases.

“The future of work depends on our ability to build the right skills for the right jobs. Significant investment is needed in upskilling, reskilling and even shifting sectors of expertise to prepare workers for the digital economy,” he said.

At the same time, Houngbo highlighted the importance of tripartite collaboration between governments, employers and workers to address future workforce challenges.

“The private sector plays a very key role, but all partners have responsibilities. The government must set the tone through the right policies, while employers need to systematically plan lifelong training programmes and invest in new technologies,” he said.

He also praised Malaysia’s Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) for its levy-based training model that reinvests in lifelong learning, describing it as an innovative approach that other countries could emulate.

He added that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should also be better supported to make training more accessible and sustainable.

“SMEs should be better organised to make training more accessible. Therefore, the governments should help them by providing incentives that promote sustainable strategies rather than short-term approaches that neglect training and labour rights,” he said.

Meanwhile, Houngbo also expressed his appreciation to the Malaysian government, particularly the Ministry of Human Resources, for the warm welcome and hospitality extended during his visit, adding that he was impressed by the country’s progress and long-standing partnership with the ILO in promoting decent work and social justice.

--BERNAMA