65% Of Malaysian Employers Prefer AI-Savvy Fresh Grads Over Experienced Workers
Your experience means nothing if you don't have AI skills, Microsoft and LinkedIn reveal in their 2024 Work Trend Index report.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 07 Jun 2024, 01:40 PM
If you're a seasoned knowledge worker with years of experience but lack AI skills, you might get edged out by the young, AI-savvy fresh graduate
Microsoft and LinkedIn recently surveyed 31,000 knowledge workers from 31 countries and found that Malaysians use artificial intelligence (AI) more than everyone else.
Their findings were published in the 2024 Work Trend Index joint report, released on 6 June. It found that the use of generative AI has also doubled in the past six months.
The report also found that many knowledge workers have been bringing their own AI tools to work, with company leaders' main concern being the formulation of an AI vision for their businesses.
As a result, many Malaysian employers are now favouring individuals with AI skills, while those without AI skills are the least preferred.
As of late 2023, there has been a 142-fold increase in LinkedIn users adding AI skills such as ChatGPT and Copilot to their profiles
Meanwhile, mentions of AI in LinkedIn job posts have led to a 17% increase in application growth.
Rohit Kalsy, LinkedIn's Head of Sales for Emerging Markets in Southeast Asia, said Malaysia is experiencing AI-driven transformation at the workplace as more and more businesses recognise the need for a new talent strategy to gain a competitive advantage.
"In Malaysia, 62% of business leaders would not hire someone without AI skills, while 65% would rather hire someone who is less experienced but possesses AI skills than someone without. This underscores that AI competency is no longer an ‘X’ factor but a necessity in today’s workplace," Kalsy revealed.
As a result, LinkedIn has observed an increase in users applying for the top AI courses on its platform since January 2023 in Southeast Asia, Australia, and India.
LinkedIn revealed that AI-related terms are increasingly used in CVs.
Image via REUTERS (New Straits Times)84% of Malaysian knowledge workers are turning to generative AI to remain productive and creative, while also saving time, with 85% starting their day with AI
The report also found that 82% of respondents use AI to plan for the following day, resulting in approximately 30 minutes saved.
50% of AI power users have heard about the importance of generative AI from their chief executive officers. Unfortunately, the report also found that only 22% are likely to receive AI training that's tailored to their role.
That said, 88% of Malaysian business leaders believe that their company needs to adapt to AI in order to remain competitive.
