Better synchronised teaching/training/human development programmes with an economic focus. To achieve these goals, Manpower Staffing Services (M) Sdn Bhd director (corporate affairs) Liza Hussain said there was a need to first forecast the specific demand for skills required to grow the economy. Then, education incentives should be provided to fund those skills.
For example, the Shanghai government had invested in a study to predict the specific types of skills required to grow the Shanghai economy over the next 24 months. A total talent survey was undertaken for the whole of Shanghai's population of 24.7 million. A total of 3,500 companies participated in the survey to identify the critical talent requirements in over 500 different job categories
Vocational training should be actively encouraged; career and income opportunities should be promoted since vocational talent has become increasingly scarce. Re-skill and up-skill initiatives could be channelled towards those skills necessary to grow the economy. Facilitate “strategic” migration of knowledge workers to meet forecast demand. Malaysia offers a great lifestyle and is a haven for knowledge workers. Migration should focus on attracting foreign nationals with highly demanded skills and Malaysians who are working abroad should be provided highly attractive “come home” incentives
Adult education on the spoken English language should be emphasized, in addition to the current policy where English has been re-introduced in primary and secondary schools. Employers should take affirmative action to confront the talent crunch by developing and promoting their organisations' brands, culture and policies to become an employer of choice. Strong alliances with tertiary education institutions are increasingly important for attracting the best talent whilst taking advantage of internship programmes to meet long-term talent needs. Under-employed resources need to be actively investigated and developed for inclusion into the workforce, especially as Malaysia has a relatively small workforce. These include jobless youths, women, part-timers, older workers and the disabled. To achieve these goals, Manpower Staffing Services (M) Sdn Bhd director (corporate affairs) Liza Hussain said there was a need to first forecast the specific demand for skills required to grow the economy. Then, education incentives should be provided to fund those skills.
