AI integration in workplaces to reshape Taiwan job market

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI, 人工智慧) into daily work routines gains momentum, the landscape of employment is poised for a seismic shift. With AI expected to replace 85 million jobs globally by 2025, the emphasis on acquiring AI skills has never been more pronounced.

AI in the Workplace

In the burgeoning field of AI, administrative roles, customer service positions, and retail checkout tasks are deemed the most vulnerable. A Forbes report highlights these sectors as prime candidates for automation. On the flip side, AI’s burgeoning role in healthcare, for instance, is enhancing productivity. Technology reducing the diagnostic time for bodily issues to just 30 seconds boasts an accuracy rate surpassing 98%.

"The trend toward AI is not about replacing jobs but enhancing the capabilities of the workforce," noted Liu Chun-yi (劉君羿), founder of an international talent platform. He emphasized that while single-function jobs might see a higher rate of automation, diversified positions could provide a competitive edge.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Taiwan (資誠聯合會計師事務所) reported that between 2019 and 2023, jobs easily replaced by AI, such as user interface design, decreased by 46%, dynamic programming by 37%, and roles in telemarketing and computer graphics saw rapid reductions.

However, there are also jobs that will not be affected at all, such as those within the healthcare system. Chan Lung (陳龍), deputy director of Shuang Ho Hospital (雙和醫院), stated that the most important aspect of healthcare is human-to-human conversation. 

He sees AI as an auxiliary role and believes the future world may be divided into people who understand AI and those who don't. Chan added that AI could help doctors quickly identify problems, improve accuracy, and save time, allowing more communication with patients.

Redefining Skills and Strategies
Tsung Chung-wei (曾仲葳), a public relations manager for a local job bank, highlighted a recent survey revealing that 93% of office workers believe mastering AI technologies could significantly boost their career trajectory and salary. "Learning AI skills isn't just beneficial; it's becoming crucial for career development and achieving a competitive salary," Tsung said.

They even think that mastering AI could increase their salaries by NT$6,736, he added.

Despite the looming threat of job displacement, the narrative isn’t solely grim. The introduction of generative AI in various sectors is streamlining routine tasks, thereby freeing up employees to engage in more complex, strategic activities. This evolution is expected to drive corporate competitiveness and foster transformational efficiency across industries.

As AI continues to reshape the global job market, both individuals and corporations are urged to adapt by embracing new technologies and refining their recruitment strategies to focus more on strategic and diversified skills.