KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- With automation threatening various existing jobs coupled with a shortage of qualified talent in emerging roles, there arises an immediate need for the upskilling of present employees to become what the industry terms as ‘workforce of the future’.
 
“JobStreet is heartened that Budget 2021 is centred upon the rakyat’s wellbeing, business continuity and economic resilience, and with strong emphasis on job creation and upskilling,” said its country manager Gan Bock Herm.
 
“Due to rising demand for digital tools and processes, there is an urgent need for Malaysians to appreciate the need to continuously upskill themselves with digital technologies, digital literacy and transferable skills,” he added.
 
“The reality is that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for Malaysia to progressively build a ‘digital first’ workforce.”
 
Finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz had announced, among others, that a budget of RM1 billion would be allocated for reskilling and upskilling programmes while tabling Budget 2021.
 
Given the current employment situation, every member of the workforce – from frontlines to the C-suite – needs to continually enhance their digital skills to survive and thrive in the ‘new norm’, said Gan.
 
“Automation and latest technologies have disrupted the job market in almost every country worldwide,” said Gan.
 
“Traditional roles are fast disappearing, while roles involving the ‘workforce of the future’ are fast emerging.”
 
He cited a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) study which said that the percentage of core skills that would change by 2025 is 40%, with some 50% of all employees needing re-skilling by that time.
 
“According to our studies, the top three industries looking for talent is led by IT, followed by manufacturing and banking/financial services,” said Gan.
 
JobStreet has various career resources to help candidates upskill and improve themselves so that they are better positioned to land their desired jobs.
 
Gan also advised candidates to constantly update their JobStreet profiles: “You never know when the opportunity will come, so it is ideal to ensure that your resume is up-to-date as our AI platform uses the information you input to recommend you the most relevant jobs”.
 
He said that JobStreet is seeing growing demand for emerging roles like data analysts together with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics and cybersecurity specialists.

Against a recovering employment market, JobStreet’s mission is to help Malaysians discover their ‘passion’ before landing ‘jobs that matter’ for that ‘sense of ‘purpose’.
 
“JobStreet’s mission is to be the talent and career partner for people and organisations,” said Gan.
 
“Our user-friendly mobile app enables people to explore job opportunities on-the-go anytime, anywhere.”
 
People who are seeking jobs urgently can also add the #WorkNow to their JobStreet profiles, which would then connect them with employers with immediate hiring needs. 
 
As a steadfast partner to employers and candidates, JobStreet had also launched the campaign #TogetherAhead, with a specially set up COVID-19 Jobs and Resources Hub to offer guidance to both businesses and individuals through this challenging period.
 
SOURCE: JobStreet
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Adrian Kam
Head of Marketing
Email: adriankam@jobstreet.com 

--BERNAMA