{"id":27269,"date":"2025-05-23T07:13:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T23:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v3\/?p=27269"},"modified":"2025-06-19T11:22:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T03:22:33","slug":"building-a-future-ready-workforce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v4\/2025\/05\/23\/building-a-future-ready-workforce\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a Future-Ready Workforce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In an era of rapid technological change and economic transformation, the importance of a skilled, adaptable workforce cannot be overstated. Sarawak is embracing this challenge head-on, spearheading a variety of initiatives aimed at upskilling and reskilling its local talent to build a \u201cTenaga Kerja Mahir Berprestasi Tinggi\u201d a high-performing, skilled workforce ready for the demands of the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One pivotal effort in this regard is the Industry Continuous Professional Development Programme (iCPD) organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) in partnership with the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED). RECODA (Sarawak Regional Corridor Development Authority) played a key role in supporting this initiative, which underscores the state\u2019s commitment to equipping its workforce with the skills needed for evolving industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing Skill Gaps with Strategic Upskilling and Reskilling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The iCPD programme targets a fundamental challenge faced by many economies today: the widening skills gap. As industries innovate and embrace new technologies, existing workers may find their skills outdated or insufficient. The solution? Upskilling improving current skills, and reskilling acquiring new skills to transition to different roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Challenges in Upskilling and Reskilling in Malaysia and Sarawak<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malaysia and Sarawak both face significant challenges in meeting the increasing demand for skilled labour. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), as of 2023, only 28.5% of the national workforce were classified as skilled workers, while the remaining consisted of semi-skilled (59.4%) and low-skilled workers (12.1%). This imbalance is more pronounced in East Malaysia, particularly in rural Sarawak, where access to training opportunities is limited due to geographical and infrastructural constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without effective upskilling and reskilling, Malaysia risks falling behind in key sectors like digital technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing all of which are cornerstones of national development strategies such as the Twelfth Malaysia Plan and PCDS 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anielia Anak Siam, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MEITD, speaking on behalf of YB Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, stressed that iCPD is critical in preparing Sarawak\u2019s workforce to meet changing industry demands. She also highlighted the importance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) certification, not only as a legal mandate under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Amendment) 2022 but as a vital component in creating safer workplaces. The OSH Coordinator Programme, introduced as part of Sarawak\u2019s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, has expanded to include comprehensive OSH certification, reflecting a holistic approach to workforce readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Labour Needs and Skilled Workforce Distribution by Sector<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to TalentCorp and DOSM\u2019s LAbour Force Survey, the sectors with the highest demand for skilled workers in Malaysia include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Manufacturing (23.5%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Construction (19.1%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Information and Communications Technology (ICT) (14.3%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Oil and Gas (9.8%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Agriculture and Agro based industries (8.4%)<\/p>\n\n\n

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However, skilled labour in these sectors remains insufficient. For example, only 25.6% of the workforce in manufacturing are classified as highly skilled, while ICT fares better with 39.2% skilled workers. In Sarawak\u2019s agriculture sector especially in upstream and downstream processing skilled workers constitute less than 20% of the total workforce, indicating a clear mismatch between sectoral growth and workforce capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upskilling, Productivity, and Economic Efficiency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connection between upskilling and productivity is direct and measurable. For instance, a skilled machine operator in the manufacturing sector can produce 400 units per day at a cost of RM0.50 per unit, compared to an unskilled worker producing 250 units per day at RM0.75 per unit. This difference not only affects unit cost and production output but also impacts business competitiveness and profit margins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improving worker skills through structured programmes reduces error rates, enhances quality, and shortens production time all essential elements in boosting Malaysia\u2019s labour productivity, which stood at RM93,627 per employee in 2023, a figure that could rise significantly with broader upskilling efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Government, Industry, and Academia Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The strength of Sarawak\u2019s upskilling and reskilling efforts lies in the multi-sector collaboration among government bodies, educational institutions, and industry players. At the fourth series launch of iCPD in Sibu, Deputy Minister for Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis reiterated the importance of such partnerships in improving workforce competitiveness. Supported by RECODA and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), the programme is already showing promising results, with over 500 participants in its initial rounds across Sarawak towns including Miri, Bintulu, Lawas, and Sibu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarawak\u2019s Education Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah has championed the goal of increasing the state\u2019s skilled workforce to 30% by 2030. This target aligns with the state\u2019s ambition to reduce dependency on foreign labour while boosting local industries and advancing the Green Economy and Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0). The iCPD programmes not only help participants gain new competencies but foster a culture of continuous professional development, essential in an era of rapid change.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Technological Change and Lifelong Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation globally, making it imperative for workers to continually update their skills. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) have championed lifelong learning models, such as the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and micro-credentials, to enable workers to convert their experience into academic credit and gain modular qualifications tailored for fast-evolving sectors like IT and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such initiatives align well with Sarawak\u2019s own goals, as articulated by Sarawak Multimedia Authority\u2019s Deputy Chief Scientist, Prof Ir Ts Dr Al-Khalid Othman. He emphasized the need for digital and technical skills in major sectors including oil and gas, petrochemicals, transport, and renewables. This approach ensures that Sarawak\u2019s workforce is not only skilled but certified and recognised, creating pathways for higher-paying, high-skill jobs in key industries.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Public Private Partnership and Digital Talent Development<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital transformation is a cornerstone of the upskilling agenda. The collaboration between 42 Malaysia (42MY) and MyDIGITAL Corporation illustrates Malaysia\u2019s broader efforts to bridge the tech talent gap. Through peer-led, tuition-free education in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity, this initiative seeks to produce thousands of industry-ready graduates, helping meet the growing demand for digital skills in Sarawak and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasized the urgency of reskilling workers currently in employment, reflecting a proactive rather than reactive approach. Budget 2025 includes incentives for SMEs and MSMEs to adopt AI and other technologies, encouraging continuous learning and adaptability among all workforce segments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead: Sarawak\u2019s Commitment to Workforce Excellence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the adoption of the Sistem Saraan Perkhidmatan Awam (SSPA), Sarawak is also reforming its civil service to align with national standards, with RM18.5 million allocated for training and competency development. This initiative reflects the state\u2019s comprehensive approach covering not just the private sector but also public servants towards a results-driven and future-ready workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n

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RECODA remains a key player in this ecosystem, actively supporting training and certification programmes, driving awareness, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. Its involvement in initiatives such as iCPD underscores a commitment not only to economic growth but to workforce excellence and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarawak\u2019s focused investment in upskilling and reskilling is a testament to its commitment to creating a future ready workforce capable of sustaining long term economic growth. By bridging skills gaps through multi sector collaboration, promoting learning, and aligning with technological advances and safety standards, Sarawak is not only preparing its people for today\u2019s industries but laying the groundwork for a resilient, innovative economy of tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this effort, the vision of Sarawak as a developed, industrialised state by 2030 powered by a high performing skilled local workforce is within reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

00000editor_dd. (2024, June 27). Investing in education, training key to thriving in technological era, says Minister<\/em>. DayakDaily. https:\/\/dayakdaily.com\/investing-in-education-training-key-to-thriving-in-technological-era-says-minister\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BP Editor 7. (2024, October 23). Sagah: Sarawak addressing skills gap with upskilling, reskilling programmes<\/em>. Borneo Post Online. https:\/\/www.theborneopost.com\/2024\/10\/23\/sagah-sarawak-addressing-skills-gap-with-upskilling-reskilling-programmes\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Henry Chang Jie Shen . (2024, August 19). 42 Malaysia and MyDIGITAL work to bridge tech talent gap<\/em>. Digital News Asia. https:\/\/www.digitalnewsasia.com\/digital-economy\/42-malaysia-and-mydigital-work-bridge-tech-talent-gap<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ngu, E. (2023, February). Closing the Gap: Skilling, Upskilling and Reskilling | Swinburne University, Sarawak, Malaysia Closing the Gap: Skilling, Upskilling and Reskilling<\/em>. Swinburne University, Sarawak, Malaysia | Swinburne University of Technology | Sarawak | Malaysia. https:\/\/www.swinburne.edu.my\/campus-beyond\/closing-the-gap-skilling-upskilling-and-reskilling\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

recoda. (2024, August 16). The Fourth Series of iCPD Launches in Sibu – RECODA<\/em>. RECODA. https:\/\/recoda.gov.my\/recoda-joins-the-fourth-series-of-the-industry-continuous-professional-development\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

recoda. (2025, March 27). Building a Future-Ready Workforce: RECODA\u2019s Commitment to Upskilling Sarawak\u2019s Talent – RECODA<\/em>. RECODA. https:\/\/recoda.gov.my\/building-a-future-ready-workforce-recodas-commitment-to-upskilling-sarawaks-talent\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sulok Tawie. (2024, November 11). Sarawak adopts SSPA to align with Putrajaya\u2019s civil service reforms<\/em>. NST Online; New Straits Times. https:\/\/www.nst.com.my\/news\/nation\/2024\/11\/1132851\/sarawak-adopts-sspa-align-putrajayas-civil-service-reforms<\/a><\/p>\n

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