Malaysia can help upskill workers, says don

Brain train: Dr Mak speaking to the Malaysian press after attending the ACD Connect Business Forum. — Bernama

BANGKOK: After its successful role as a prime mover in education among members of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Malaysia should offer its expertise in human resource development to equip people with skills and knowledge.

Malaysia’s contribution will have far reaching effects as skilled and knowledgeable human capital is the key to sustainable development and long-lasting growth.

According to Asia e-University Professor Dr Mak Chai, by hosting programmes to upskill the workforce, Malaysia would be promoting innovation, inclusiveness and sustainability.

“I believe this should be the next cause that the Government should take up as a member of the ACD.

“We have existing capabilities and expertise in this area and it will be good if Malaysia can share her experience in human capital development with the rest,” he said when met at the sidelines of the Dialogue.

According to studies, a substantial percentage of the workforce in most developing nations are without paper qualifications, and Dr Mak believes that providing opportunities for workers to improve themselves is necessary.

On Malaysia’s significant contribution to the ACD, Prof Mak said that Asia e-University was “living proof” and was one of the Dialogue’s earliest success stories.

The vice-president of academic and administration said the university had 30,000 students since it began operations in 2007, with people from ACD’s 34 member states and others enrolled in degree, masters and doctorate courses.

“What makes the Asia e-University attractive is that we make learning flexible and affordable.

We design it in such a way since most of the students are adults who want to improve their knowledge,” he said.

For the business community, especially up and coming businesses and small and medium enterprises, the ACD serves as a platform for them to network and be on the lookout for prospective ventures.

President of Global Entrepreneur­ship Thailand Steve Cheah said Malaysia would be a good place for companies to launch halal businesses.

“Malaysian companies should use ACD to create business opportunities and form partnerships to meet consumer demand for halal products,” he said.