KUALA LUMPUR: With automation threatening various existing jobs, coupled with a shortage of qualified talent in emerging roles, there is an immediate need for upskilling present employees to become what the industry terms as 'workforce of the future'.
"JobStreet is heartened that Budget 2021 is centered upon the rakyat's wellbeing, business continuity and economic resilience, and with strong emphasis on job creation and upskilling," said its country manager Gan Bock Herm.
"Due to rising demand for digital tools and processes, there is an urgent need for Malaysians to appreciate the need to continuously upskill themselves with digital technologies, digital literacy and transferable skills," he said.
Gan said the reality is that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for Malaysia to progressively build a 'digital first' workforce.
Finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz had recently announced, among others, that a budget of RM1 billion would be allocated for reskilling and upskilling programmes while tabling Budget 2021.
Given the current employment situation, every member of the workforce – from frontlines to the C-suite – needs to continually enhance their digital skills to survive and thrive in the 'new norm'.
"Automation and latest technologies have disrupted the job market in almost every country worldwide. Traditional roles are fast disappearing, while roles involving the 'workforce of the future' are fast emerging," said Gan.
He cited a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) study which said that the percentage of core skills that would change by 2025 is 40 per cent, with some 50 per cent of all employees needing re-skilling by that time.
"According to our studies, the top three industries looking for talent is led by information technology (IT), followed by manufacturing and banking/financial services," said Gan.
JobStreet has various career resources to help candidates upskill and improve themselves so that they are better positioned to land their desired jobs.
Gan also advised candidates to constantly update their JobStreet profiles.
"You never know when the opportunity will come, so it is ideal to ensure that your resume is up-to-date as our artificial intelligence (AI) platform uses the information you input to recommend you the most relevant jobs".
He said JobStreet is seeing growing demand for emerging roles like data analysts together with AI, machine learning, robotics and cybersecurity specialists.
Against a recovering employment market, JobStreet's mission is to help Malaysians discover their passion before landing 'jobs that matter' for that 'sense of 'purpose'.
"JobStreet's mission is to be the talent and career partner for people and organisations," said Gan.
"Our user-friendly mobile app enables people to explore job opportunities on-the-go anytime, anywhere."
People who are seeking jobs urgently can also add the #WorkNow to their JobStreet profiles, which would then connect them with employers with immediate hiring needs.
As a steadfast partner to employers and candidates, JobStreet had also launched the campaign #TogetherAhead, with a specially set up COVID-19 Jobs and Resources Hub to offer guidance to both businesses and individuals through this challenging period.