KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, August 12, 2025 – The 2nd Annual Human Resource Development Conference 2025 kicked off today, inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, under the theme “AI + HI = New ROI.” The event, held in the capital, brought together over 150 HR leaders, learning and development experts, tech innovators, and policymakers, joined by 33 prominent speakers from Malaysia, ASEAN, and beyond.
The conference focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence (HI) to unlock new avenues for organizational growth. In his opening address, Dato’ Sri Fadillah emphasized that success in today’s fast-paced world hinges on blending AI with people-centric strategies to create agile, adaptable workforces.
“While AI drives rapid transformation, people remain the heart of every organization,” he said. He stressed the importance of reskilling, upskilling, and lifelong learning to prepare Malaysia’s workforce for the future, alongside closing the AI exposure gap to ensure inclusivity. Ethical AI use, he added, is critical to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Over the next two days, the conference will delve into pressing topics, including AI-driven recruitment, Gen Z workforce rewards, mental health, and fostering workplace happiness—issues now deemed business imperatives.
“The true return on investment lies not just in productivity or profit, but in purpose and people,” Dato’ Sri Fadillah concluded, setting the tone for a forward-looking dialogue on the future of work.