The fruitful conclusion of NTW Carnival Sarawak Region with YB Dr. Mohd Syukri Ahmad Sudari, HRD Corp Board of Director. (Photo Credit: Shahul Hameed Dawood)
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the need to adapt and grow professionally has never been more critical. As industries and technologies shift, the skills required to stay relevant in the job market change just as quickly. This phenomenon underscores the significance of upskilling—a process that equips individuals with the knowledge and capabilities to meet the demands of modern careers. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting out, upskilling is essential to ensuring long-term career success and personal growth.
The Necessity of Upskilling in a Dynamic Job Market
Upskilling is the enhancement of an individual’s existing abilities by learning new skills that are relevant to their current job or career path. As market circumstances, technologies, and organisational requirements evolve, the skills in demand will naturally change. For instance, the mass adoption of computers in the workplace necessitated the learning of computer skills, just as today’s advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are reshaping many job roles.
We are currently in what’s often called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where AI and automation are revolutionising how we work. In fact, the World Economic Forum predicts that half of all employees will need to reskill by 2025 due to these technological advancements. While automation may eliminate some jobs, it will also create as many as 69 million new roles that require entirely different skill sets. This evolving landscape makes it imperative for individuals and businesses alike to engage in upskilling and reskilling strategies to stay competitive.
For businesses, having a workforce with up-to-date skills is key to maintaining efficiency and meeting market demands. For employees, upskilling opens up new opportunities for career advancement and job security. In a world where change is constant, adaptability becomes the cornerstone of success.
National Training Week 2024: A Nationwide Upskilling Initiative
Recognising the importance of lifelong learning, Malaysia has introduced National Training Week (NTW) as a dedicated effort to foster a culture of continuous education. First launched in 2023, NTW is a full week of nationwide training events and activities aimed at bringing together organisations and individuals from various industries for learning and development opportunities.
NTW 2024, organised by the Human Resource Development Corp (HRD Corp) under the Ministry of Human Resources, is a continuation of this successful initiative. With the theme “Inspiring Malaysian Excellence through Lifelong Learning,” NTW 2024 has provided more than 65,000 courses across 39 skill areas, offered by over 1,500 course providers. With an original target of 150,000 enrolments, the event ultimately exceeded expectations with over 240,000 enrolments by June 26th.
Even if you could not attend the event in person, the official NTW website provides multiple courses for free to all Malaysians and are available across various learning methods and platforms, enabling individuals to upskill themselves in areas critical to their careers. This initiative is born out of the ambitious goal of equipping all Malaysians with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s job market while fostering collaboration among industries, academia, and individuals.
The Benefits of Upskilling: Why It Matters to You and Malaysia
Upskilling offers numerous benefits for individuals, businesses, and the nation. For individuals, it boosts self-confidence, motivation, and productivity, enhancing career advancement opportunities. In the bigger picture, businesses benefit from a skilled workforce that can meet market demands and fill skill gaps, while the nation as a whole gains from a more dynamic and competitive workforce.
Malaysia’s rapid economic development and push towards becoming a high-income nation have placed a spotlight on the need for a highly skilled workforce. The rise of automation, digitalisation, and evolving industry demands mean that the skills required today are not the same as those needed a decade ago. Many Malaysian industries, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and services, are experiencing a skills gap, where the existing workforce may not possess the necessary competencies to meet current and future demands.
Additionally, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) is transforming traditional job roles, leading to the displacement of certain occupations while creating new ones that require advanced skills. The government’s initiatives, such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), further emphasise the need for Malaysians to continuously upgrade their skills to remain competitive in the global market. On top of the need to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, upskilling became more crucial than before. With unemployment rates fluctuating and certain sectors struggling to rebound, equipping the workforce with relevant and up-to-date skills is essential for driving economic resilience and sustainable growth.
Furthermore, Malaysia’s diverse population, including its youth and rural communities, faces unique challenges in accessing education and training opportunities. Bridging this gap through upskilling initiatives is vital for ensuring inclusive growth and reducing socioeconomic disparities across the nation.
NTW is one of the many initiative borne from this need to supports Malaysia’s goal of achieving a 35% skilled workforce by 2030. By helping individuals advance in their careers, the nation’s human capital development can be strengthened, attracting greater foreign investment with to the availability of multi-skilled and dynamic talent.
How to Upskill Yourself: Steps to Sustainable Self-Learning
- Reflect on Your Skills with a Self-Evaluation: Start by critically evaluating your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). Seek constructive feedback from peers, managers, or mentors to gain an external perspective on your skills and areas for improvement.
- Identify Industry Demands: Investigate the current trends and future directions of your industry. Use resources like industry reports, online forums, and professional networks to identify the skills you need to grow.
- Set Clear Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your upskilling journey. Setting realistic goals that show small, consistent progress helps maintain motivation.
- Create a Learning Plan: Consistency is key. Schedule regular learning sessions and break the learning into small, achievable weekly goals.
- Practice and Apply New Skills: Apply your new skills in real-world situations, whether through personal projects or side gigs. Practical experience solidifies learning and enhances your resume.
- Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Connect with industry professionals for guidance and feedback. Participate in online forums or local groups related to your field for support.
- Embrace Technology and Digital Tools: Stay updated with technological advancements relevant to your field through courses and training. Prioritise digital learning as part of your upskilling strategy.
- Measure Progress and Adjust: Regularly assess your progress and be ready to adjust your learning plan based on new industry trends or changes in your career goals.
- Showcase Your New Skills: Update your resume and professional profiles with your new skills and certifications. Share your learning journey with your network to open doors to new opportunities.
Conclusion: A Future Built on Lifelong Learning
As we navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing job market, upskilling remains a critical component of career success. National Training Week 2024 is one of the ways that Malaysia provides a unique opportunity for its people to embrace lifelong learning, ensuring that our workforce remains competitive and resilient in the face of global changes.
Whether by participating in NTW 2024 or taking independent proactive steps to upskill, individuals can secure their future while contributing to the nation’s growth and prosperity. If you are looking to enhance your current role or explore new career paths, the time to invest in your skills is now.
References
- “National Training Week Malaysia official website”
- “National Training Week 2024 offers more this year”
- “MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TRAINING WEEK (NTW) 2024”
- “Industrial Skills Framework (IndSF)”
- “World Economic Forum: Towards A Reskilling Revolution”
- “Why employees quit: 11 evidence-based reasons”
- “Learning New Skills Without Boundaries: 13 Ways To Improve Your Learning Process”
- “Deloitte — The Skills-Based Organization”
- “These are the top 10 job skills of tomorrow – and how long it takes to learn them”
- “The future of jobs in the age of AI, sustainability and deglobalization”
- “Malaysians want career growth and upskilling: 2024 workmonitor”
