Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the technology sector in the US, delivering record profit for major firms while also reshaping the labour market. As companies invest heavily in AI, many are reducing their dependence on human labour and reallocating resources towards AI development.

This trend is already visible among major technology companies. Meta is cutting 8,000 jobs, or 10% of its workforce, while cancelling 6,000 open positions. Microsoft has launched its first-ever voluntary retirement programme, offering buyouts to up to 8,750 employees, equivalent to 7% of its US workforce. Industry data shows that more than 96,000 tech workers in the US have lost their jobs so far in 2026, a 40% increase compared with the same period in 2025. AI is also taking over tasks once handled by employees. At Google, 75% of new code is now generated by AI. This signals a fundamental shift in the employment landscape.

Although Malaysia has yet to experience this impact, it will not remain untouched. As AI adoption accelerates globally, Malaysia’s job market will inevitably face similar disruption, making workforce readiness and adaptation increasingly urgent. The Malaysian government has not prepared its people for this development.