@EVDHmn IT is still a tough market in Malaysia, but it's generally acknowledged that it's the industry to be in if you want future prospects. About AI, not as hotly marketed though those in professional circles do know about it.
As for being autodidact, I get bored easily and having a massive learning project keeps me happy. If I don't learn something I get really unhappy ;D also, traditional methods of learning don't work well with me so I usually have to hack my own way.