PETALING JAYA: Prospective employers, particularly those from the small and medium enterprises, are increasingly looking for a combination of formal education and practical skills among candidates.
SME Association president Chin Chee Seong said from the industry’s perspective, they need employees who possess a blend of formal education and practical skills, with a strong emphasis on English proficiency and soft skills.
“Employers value certifications that demonstrate a candidate’s ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, such as industry-recognised certifications in information technology (IT), project management and digital marketing,” he said in response to what employers are looking for in candidates.
In the current scenario where job mismatching occurs, Chin said it often arises when there is a gap between the skills that job seekers possess and the skills that employers need.
As such, addressing the job mismatch scenario will require targeted training programmes and government initiatives to promote upskilling and reskilling.
“The Economic and Digital Job Market Outlook 2024 report highlights there is a talent shortage in specialised fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science and cybersecurity.
“Fields such as IT, electrical and electronics (E&E), business process outsourcing (BPO), consulting and cybersecurity are in high demand and require more workers.
“Additionally, developing soft skills, such as communications, problem-solving and management, is crucial.
“This mismatch can be addressed by promoting lifelong learning and encouraging workers to upskill and reskill in these high-demand areas.
“Government initiatives and training programmes can play a significant role in bridging this gap,” he said.
Sunway University Economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng urged fresh graduates to embrace life-long learning goals to upskill and reskill continuously in response to the fast-changing workplace.
“Besides exploring learning platforms for online courses and certifications, they can also participate in boot camps and workshops that provide hands-on training and networking opportunities.
“They can also engage in real-world projects by freelancing and participating in hackathons designed to solve real-world problems.
“This is because job-ready skills for specific occupations allow quicker entry into the workforce since the courses are aligned with industry needs and typically designed in collaboration with industry players.
“Fresh graduates should also keep abreast with industry trends, follow thought leaders through blogs, podcasts and social media channels related to their fields of interest, including AI and technology.
“While such hard or technical skills are in demand, particularly for the fast growing, technology-driven industries, the equally important soft skills covering multilingual communications, project management and teamwork are qualities sought by employers,” he said.
Yeah suggests that employees participate in professional associations and industry groups that regularly conduct training, seminars and conferences.
Additionally, he said the demand for skilled workers remains strong in healthcare, construction, information and communications technology (ICT) services and manufacturing.
He added that professions such as electricians, wiremen and workshop technicians, though facing disruptive technologies, are able to earn reasonable wages and secure livelihoods.
Meanwhile, National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) chairman Alex Liew acknowledged that the Malaysian job market is facing challenges with job mismatches, especially in the digital economy.
“Employers today are looking for talents with strong digital skills, adaptability, and a growth mindset to thrive in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and cloud computing.
“Fields like IT, fintech, e-commerce and green technology are experiencing a growing demand for skilled workers.
“To bridge this gap, continuous upskilling and reskilling programmes are essential to ensure Malaysia’s workforce remains competitive in the global digital landscape.”
