Malta sees 176% surge in AI literacy as LinkedIn flags urgent skills shift

Malta is experiencing one of its sharpest workforce transitions on record, with new LinkedIn data showing a 176 per cent increase in members listing “AI literacy” on their profiles.

The figures were presented during the very first LinkedIn Connect Malta event, co-hosted by iGaming firm Casumo, marking the platform’s inaugural country-level gathering led by LinkedIn’s Area Director for the region.

The event, attended by business leaders, HR professionals, and digital-skills specialists, placed a spotlight on how rapidly Malta’s workforce is adapting to AI – and how quickly the global talent landscape is shifting around it.

AI skills becoming essential in Maltese workplaces

According to LinkedIn’s data, the fastest-growing AI-related skills in Malta are:

1. Generative AI tools
2. Microsoft Copilot
3. Prompt Engineering
4. Large Language Models (LLMs)
5. Generative AI
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The sharp rise in AI literacy reflects an “accelerating demand for continuous upskilling in an AI-driven workplace,” the presentation stated.

This follows global research showing that 68 per cent  of the skills used in most jobs today will change by 2030, driven primarily by AI adoption.

One of the most striking datapoints revealed at the event is that Malta is experiencing a net loss of AI talent. According to LinkedIn’s mobility analysis, local professionals with AI skills are increasingly relocating abroad.

Top destinations attracting Malta’s AI talent:

• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates
• Spain

Meanwhile, the companies hiring the most AI-skilled workers in Malta are:

• EPAM Systems
• Gaming Innovation Group
• Betsson Group

The data suggests that while Malta is actively hiring AI specialists, it still struggles to compete with international markets that offer broader ecosystems for advanced tech roles.

Job titles that didn’t exist two decades ago are now mainstream

The presentation also highlighted how technology has redefined career paths globally. Over 10 per cent  of workers hired today have job titles that did not exist in the year 2000, including:

• Data Analyst
• Full Stack Engineer
• Frontend Developer
• Social Media Manager
• Web Developer
• Data Engineer
• Business Development Specialist
• Data Scientist
• HR Business Partner
• Relationship Manager

Executives hired in 2023 also had 31 per cent  more soft skills listed on their profiles when compared to executives hired in 2018 – another sign of the changing nature of leadership.

One of the event’s more notable social insights referenced global research showing that children from high-income families are 10 times more likely to become inventors compared to equally talented peers from low-income households – raising questions about access, opportunity, and the long-term creation of innovation ecosystems in small economies like Malta.

A key message from the presentation is that upskilling is no longer a “nice to have”. Under the EU AI Act, all companies using, developing, or deploying AI will be legally required to ensure their employees are trained in AI literacy, risk awareness, and responsible use.

A recent PwC AI Business Survey (2024 data, published 2025) shows that Maltese organisations remain largely unprepared:

• 56 per cent  are not aware of the EU AI Act
• 29 per cent  are aware but unsure of the impact
• 12 per cent  are monitoring AI compliance
• 3 per cent  have a dedicated internal AI compliance team

These low readiness levels contrast sharply with the steep rise in AI-skilled individuals, suggesting a gap between personal upskilling and organisational preparedness.

The first LinkedIn Connect Malta event underscored a simple reality: AI is now reshaping Malta’s labour market faster than many businesses can keep up with.
While individuals are rapidly adopting AI skills, companies risk falling behind, and losing talent to countries offering more advanced career opportunities.