The Ministry of Digital is looking at talent development seriously, urging companies to continue investing in learning programmes to ensure the local workforce remain relevant and competitive.
Speaking at the launch of Capital A’s OutClass edutech platform, Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo said industries are grappling with all types of challenges as the world embraces the digital revolution that is changing the way people work, live and play.
Recent reports, including McKinsey’s 2023 Global Survey, reaffirm the profound impact of skill building in addressing the skills gap. A staggering 87 per cent of companies acknowledge they face or anticipate a skills gap.
Increasingly, organisations are prioritising skill building over traditional hiring practices to meet these challenges head-on.
Gobind, while commending the OutClass programme, credited Capital A for having ventured into partnerships and collaborations with other sectors to create more learning environments. He expressed hope of seeing more companies do the same, in order to ensure no one is left behind in the digital race.
“One of the ways for the Government to address these challenges is by working closely with all sectors. We need to truly understand the real concerns of the industry, hear directly from the workforce, and find ways to overcome these challenges.
“The Ministry of Digital is looking at talent development very seriously and the multitude of challenges faced by industry players. We hope to present our findings, complete with possible solutions, later this year.”
Some initiatives that are already in place include training programmes and courses offered by the Ministry of Digital through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). These digital talent development initiatives are targeted at all levels – from those just entering the workforce to currently employed individuals, who are keen to upskill or reskill to better their future job prospects or career advancement.
“I’m certain that more of such initiatives will be established by other Ministries as well as private sector players in the near future. Technology is evolving at such dizzying proportions and we must work hand in hand to ensure that our workforce is on top of the game,” he added.