YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan has called for global measures to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves humanity rather than being disposed of. He also warned that unchecked technological capabilities pose risks of exacerbating inequality and undermining human dignity. The Human Resources Minister added that AI reconfigures the future of work.
“AI is not merely a technological revolution, but a social, economical, and moral turning point.” he said
“The question is no longer whether AI will transform our societies, because it already has,” Ramanan said at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva recently. The conference commenced on June 1 and lasts till June 12.
“The real challenge is whether we can shape this transformation in a way that remains fair, inclusive and centred on human dignity, while ensuring that no one is left behind,” he added.
He referred to the ILO director-general’s 2026 report, A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work, as key in guiding the global response and noted that Malaysia is committed to advancing innovation, decent work and social justice as a collective goal.
Ramanan reiterated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s warning that technology without values would only enhance inequality and deepen division, adding that progress must be guided by compassion, justice and humanity under the Madani framework.
With the labour force surpassing 17 million people, he noted that the government’s priority is to ensure that every worker is equipped with and protected as the economy grows increasingly AI-driven.
He said Malaysia was strengthening workers’ rights and industrial justice, with the Industrial Court adopting AI-supported technologies and real-time digital recording systems.
Ramanan also highlighted several efforts already in execution, including AI and digital technology training at the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training, and a digital risk assessment system that has been used by nearly 270,000 citizens nationwide.
Sources: The Star
