PETALING JAYA: The Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) should prioritise its funds on more industry-driven practical training aligned to market demands while focusing on emerging fields that are shaping the future of the workforce, says industry players.
SME Association president Chin Chee Seong suggested industry-specific collaborations with tailored programmes that can help ensure Malaysians acquire skills while enhancing their employability, productivity and career mobility.
“By allowing co-creation of training programmes with industries, HRD Corp can ensure that training is practical, aligned with market demands as well as fosters economic growth and innovation.
“To make them more relevant and impactful, HRD Corp must strengthen employer engagement by streamlining the application and approval process for training funds,” he said when contacted yesterday.
It was reported on Feb 9 that HRD Corp had collected a record RM2.3bil in levy from employers last year.
The levy is meant to be used for the upskilling or reskilling of workers.
In terms of maximising the impact of the levies, Chin said HRD Corp can implement inclusive and accessible upskilling initiatives, particularly for SMEs and lower-income workers.
These can be done through free and subsidised training programmes with incentives for SMEs to train employees and expand practical, hands-on training opportunities where employees can learn in real work environments, he added.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nivas Ragavan believes that the levy system plays a pivotal role in fostering growth and development of the Malaysian workforce.
With industries evolving, he said employees with cutting-edge skills will be better equipped to adapt to new roles, ensuring employability and career progression.
As such, he said the collection of levies offers an opportunity to strategically invest in the continuous upskilling of employees to meet the evolving demands of industries, particularly as the country navigates the challenges of digital transformation and global competition.
“The levy system represents a vital resource to drive Malaysia’s workforce development. With targeted training initiatives, we can ensure employees are prepared for the future and also enhance the competitiveness of industries.”
He said the training through HRD Corp should not only benefit the employees, but also adds to the long-term value of an organisation.
“As organisations become more complex, a new area worth exploring is leadership and emotional intelligence. Training in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and effective communication can empower employees to thrive in a collaborative environment,” he said.
