In today’s job market, having skills in artificial intelligence (AI) can make a big difference. Employers across various industries are recognizing the immense value that AI-skilled workers bring to the table. Not only does possessing AI skills open doors to higher salaries, but it also promises career advancement opportunities.
AI Skills: Getting Paid More
According to Amazon Web Services (AWS), companies are ready to pay extra for workers who know AI, offering up to 44% more in IT jobs and 41% more in research and development roles. This trend applies to other areas too, like sales, marketing, finance, and business operations, where salaries can go up by 37% to 39%.
Besides, in the regional study including Indonesia titled ” Accelerating AI Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the Future“, 98% of non-technology or technology companies employers are prioritizing hiring AI-skilled talent. Plus, the study surveyed 1,600 workers and 500 employers in Malaysia, underscores the country’s rapid AI transformation.
Boosting Productivity with AI
Employers think AI can make work better, expecting up to 51% more productivity. Workers who are skilled with AI believe that the use of AI can push productivity by 50% too. Many employees are pointing out that AI helped improve task automation, workflow, and outcomes by respectively 64% and 60%.
On the other hand, some said it would enhance communication by 59%, and 49% stated innovation and creativity.
Furthermore, workers also believe AI skills can help them in their careers, with 93% seeing positive effects with increased efficiency, higher job satisfaction, and further career progression, according to AWS.
High Demand for AI Experts: Getting Ready for Tomorrow
Finding people with AI skills is tough for 75% of companies in Asia-Pacific. But most (79%) say hiring AI-skilled workers is a big goal, showing the need to fill this gap.
Many workers want to learn AI skills to move ahead in their careers, with 83% interested in training, including 87% of Gen Z workers, 79% of Gen X, 68% of baby boomers, and those aged 55 and above if they were offered the opportunity. Some companies, like Terrascope, are already using GenAI tools to work smarter, in calculating carbon emissions.
Emmanuel Pillai, who leads training and certification for ASEAN at AWS, stressed the importance of having AI skills for future jobs.
“Industries like finance, construction, and retail are quickly adopting AI. That’s why having workers who know AI is crucial. It helps spark innovation and makes businesses more productive,” he explained.
Abhineet Kaul, a director at Access Partnership, highlighted the growing influence of AI in the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia. He noted how it’s changing how businesses operate and how people do their jobs.
“Our research shows that everyone will benefit from AI making work more efficient. This will lead to higher pay for workers with the right skills.”
Navigating the AI World
As AI becomes more important, it’s crucial to have skilled people to keep things moving forward. Employers and governments should work together to train people in AI and help them find jobs in this growing field.
In a world where AI is becoming more common, having the right skills can mean better pay and more opportunities. By learning AI and keeping up with the latest trends, both workers and companies can make the most of this exciting technology for a brighter future.
