3 Easy AI Side Hustles Malaysians Are Using To Earn Extra Cash

Artificial intelligence has become more than just a buzzword in 2025. It’s now a practical tool that many Malaysians use daily to streamline their work, from automating routine tasks to enhancing creativity and productivity. And it’s not just a passing trend. According to Kearney, AI could contribute up to US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, with Malaysia expected to capture US$115 billion of that total. The urgency to capitalise on this moment is clear: AI presents a golden opportunity for Malaysians to innovate, adapt and grow financially.

Some savvy Malaysians are already ahead of the curve. They’re leveraging AI to earn extra income whether as freelancers improving their efficiency or side hustlers building AI-powered digital businesses. As the tools become more accessible and the market continues to evolve, the potential for earning through AI is only set to expand.

If you’re wondering how to make money with AI, here are three accessible ways to consider.

1. Freelancing continues to be one of the top AI side hustles in Malaysia for 2025

Freelancing continues to be one of the best side hustles for Malaysians in 2025. However, with the freelancing industry expanding so quickly and the market being more competitive, freelancers are looking for more ways to prove themselves. Clients are now expecting not only faster turnaround, but also higher quality work. This is where AI tools prove to be useful.

For instance:

Graphic designers use AI tools on Adobe and Canva to generate templates, images, or make quick edits.
Virtual assistants use AI-powered workspaces like Notion AI or Gemini to automate client reports and email drafts.
Content writers turn to ChatGPT to brainstorm headlines, come up with article outlines or use it to improve tone.

Platforms such as Fiverr and Malaysia’s very own JobStreet’s Side Gig feature have now made it much easier to provide AI-enhanced services for freelancers.

Tip: Don’t look at AI to replace the work you’re doing. Look at it as a tool to help you work faster and not cheaper. The trick is not to market your speed and value-add rather than fighting on price point.

2. Consider launching a side hustle

AI has helped lower the barrier to being an entrepreneur for many Malaysians. It provides Malaysians a low-cost yet high-potential opportunity for Malaysians to achieve their dreams.

Some trending AI side hustles in Malaysia this year include:

Creating niche social media content channel: Using AI-powered tools like Pika Labs and Runway ML Gen-3 to create reels on Instagram and videos on TikTok can be an effective way when monetised with affiliate links or digital products.
Dropshipping stores: Use AI to craft product descriptions, responses for customer queries and draft social ads while you manage your orders.
AI-generated T-shirt and mug design: Use AI-powered tools on Canva to develop designs for you and print them on T-shirts or even mugs

Tip: AI doesn’t automate the entire process instead, it helps you get your hustle off the ground in a single weekend by making the starting process much easier

3. Teach the highly sought-after skill of 2025: AI

With AI being quickly integrated into many aspects of our workflow and have even taken over some of our daily tasks, the demand for individuals who are able to effectively use AI-powered tools is now more crucial than ever. Of course, there is a much greater demand for individuals who are able to develop AI-integrated solutions, but there is also a growing demand for individuals who are able to use these solutions effectively.

Especially if you’ve spent time and money exploring how to use these tools, you might want to consider teaching others and earning from it.

Consider running your own:

Mini workshops: Teach students how to effectively prompt common AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT and Canva, at co-working spaces or virtually
Short video tutorials: You might want to consider using AI to generate a script before using AI to generate a tutorial to be published on Tik Tok.

Tip: There is now no more excuse for you to not localise your content! Harness the power of AI to develop localised scripts to help you stand out more from the crowd!

AI side hustles in Malaysia are about working smarter, not harder or longer

The most common misconception of using AI-powered tools is that it would replace your hard work. Rather, you should be looking at how AI tools are able to effectively amplify your efforts. Whether you’re looking to earn RM100 or RM10,000 of extra income per month, there are tools to help you get there faster and smarter.

Before embarking on your journey of using AI to earn some side income, you might want to consider checking out these boxes:

Pick an idea that you like
Use two to three AI tools to increase efficiency – less time, less effort, more work
Offer it to some friends or followers
Package your processes nicely and don’t rush to scale