Malaysians Embrace AI Job Opportunities in 2026

Two-thirds of Malaysians believe AI will create more jobs, defying global skepticism

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:45am

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A complex, glowing 3D illustration of futuristic AI hardware and data center infrastructure, bathed in neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing Malaysia's ambitious plans to leverage emerging technologies for inclusive economic growth.Malaysia's strategic embrace of AI technology signals a future where innovation and community-driven growth go hand in hand.Denver Today

A recent Ipsos survey reveals that a staggering 67% of Malaysians believe AI will bring more job opportunities in 2026, a stark contrast to the global outlook which is nearly split down the middle. Experts attribute this Malaysian confidence to factors like economic stability, a stronger ringgit, successful regional collaborations, and targeted government initiatives that have set the stage for Malaysians to embrace the AI revolution with renewed hope.

Why it matters

While the global debate on AI's impact on employment continues, Malaysia's overwhelming optimism signals a strategic shift in how the country is positioning itself to leverage emerging technologies for inclusive growth. This confidence extends beyond AI, with Malaysians feeling significantly more positive about 2026 and the long-term future compared to global averages.

The details

The survey by Ipsos, a leading market research firm, found that 67% of Malaysians believe AI will create more job opportunities in 2026, compared to only 51% globally. Arun Menon, Ipsos Malaysia's managing director, attributes this to a combination of economic factors, regional collaborations, and targeted government initiatives. "Malaysia's rapid AI adoption, growing at 35% annually, coupled with economic stability, a stronger ringgit, and successful events like the 2025 ASEAN Summit, have set the stage for Malaysians to embrace 2026 with renewed hope," Menon said. The country's strategic focus on AI as a catalyst for the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 has also fueled this optimism, as Malaysians see the technology as a driver of productivity and technological advancement.

  • The Ipsos survey was conducted in March 2026.

The players

Ipsos

A leading global market research firm that conducted the survey on Malaysians' perceptions of AI and its impact on employment.

Arun Menon

The managing director of Ipsos Malaysia, who provided insights on the factors behind Malaysians' optimism about AI and job opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Malaysia's optimism about AI's impact on job creation highlights the country's strategic approach to leveraging emerging technologies for inclusive growth. While global debates continue, Malaysians seem to trust that a combination of economic stability, regional collaborations, and targeted government initiatives will pave the way for a future where technology and humanity work hand in hand.