KUALA LUMPUR — Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, emphasized the need for greater involvement of women as creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners in the digital economy rather than merely technology users. Speaking at the Voices of HER Forum 2026 on Tuesday, Johari underscored that participation alone was insufficient, stressing the importance of value creation and ownership within the sector.

Johari outlined a vision where women move beyond selling products online to becoming suppliers, vendors, manufacturers, exporters, or business partners. This shift, he said, would integrate women more fully into the economic value chain, enhancing the overall impact of their businesses.

The minister also highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. Citing data from the International Labour Organization, Johari noted that as of 2025, one in four jobs worldwide had some exposure to AI, with nearly 29% of female-dominated roles affected by generative AI in 2026. He described the future of work as a collaboration between humans and AI, where machines handle routine tasks while workers focus on roles requiring judgement, creativity, and decision-making.

Addressing concerns about labor shortages in Malaysia, Johari challenged assumptions that workers were unwilling to take on available jobs. He pointed to the economic realities of job offerings, questioning whether offered wages, such as RM1,700, were sufficient to attract Malaysian workers. He noted that many Malaysians commute long distances, even across borders to Singapore, for better-paying employment. Flexible gig work options, like e-hailing services, were also appealing for their immediate income and adaptability.

On the issue of foreign labor, Johari advocated for a gradual reduction in reliance on such workers, particularly restricting their roles to the so-called 3D jobs—dirty, dangerous, and difficult labor. He called for greater transparency in foreign worker applications, requiring industries to justify the necessity and provide details on salary, job requirements, and qualifications.

Johari concluded by emphasizing the need for increased automation and digitalization, including among micro, small, and medium enterprises, to boost productivity and reduce dependence on foreign labor in Malaysia’s evolving economy.