ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman Reveals Which Jobs AI Will Replace First - Should Malaysians Be Worried?

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 27, 2025

Speaking candidly during a tech event, Sam Altman (OpenAI, aka ChatGPT) stated that roles such as data entry, customer service, and even some creative tasks may be at risk as AI tools like ChatGPT become more advanced and widespread

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The Jobs Most at Risk According to Sam Altman

Altman emphasized that AI is best at automating repetitive, pattern-based tasks. Here's a list of roles that may face significant disruption:

• Data Entry Clerks
• Customer Support Agents (especially chat-based)
• Translators for Common Languages
• Paralegals (basic legal research and drafting)
• Junior Coders / QA Testers
• Content Writers (for simple, generic copy)
• Administrative Assistants

In Malaysia, many of these roles are widely outsourced or form part of the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) sector - a pillar of our local digital economy. This makes the topic particularly relevant.

Why Some Jobs Are Safer - For Now

Despite fears of widespread automation, Altman noted that "creative leadership, complex decision-making, and emotional intelligence" remain difficult for AI to replicate. Professions that require human interaction, cultural understanding, and contextual reasoning are more resistant to full automation.

Jobs that are relatively safe in Malaysia include:

• Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, caregivers)
• Educators and trainers
• Skilled tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, technicians)
• Sales professionals in relationship-based roles
• Human Resources and Talent Managers
• Creative strategists and brand consultants

How Malaysians Can Prepare for the AI Era?

Instead of fearing AI, Malaysians should see it as an opportunity to upskill and adapt. Platforms like MyJobe.com can help both job seekers, businesses and HR embrace the future by:

• Offering AI-enhanced CV builders and job match recommendations
• Providing business tools to post jobs and find tech-savvy talent
• Helping workers discover in-demand skills through curated job market data
• Supporting companies to transition roles by hiring for AI-ready positions

Altman echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting the real danger is not AI itself, but our failure to adapt fast enough.

“AI is not going to replace humans — but humans who use AI will replace those who don’t.” – Sam Altman

What does this mean for Malaysia's Workforce?

According to DOSM, Malaysia's unemployment rate remains at a historic low of 3.0%, but job seekers must stay proactive. As automation evolves, the value of human creativity, strategy, and emotional intelligence will grow even more.

To stay ahead:

• Focus on lifelong learning
• Develop AI collaboration skills
• Invest in problem-solving and critical thinking
• Explore new fields like prompt engineering, AI marketing, or tech project management

Final Thoughts: Don’t Compete Against AI - Work With It!

The future of work in Malaysia isn't about man vs. machine - it’s about man + machine. By leveraging platforms like MyJobe, local talents and businesses can embrace transformation confidently.

🧭 Whether you're hiring or job hunting, the key is staying informed and flexible. Visit MyJobe.com today to start preparing for the next era of employment.