ACCORDING to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, 50 per cent of all workers need to reskill by 2025 to keep pace with the adoption of technology.
Furthermore, an estimated six million jobs will be created in Malaysia by 2030, which is why students need to be well equipped with skills.
Here's a look at the five in-demand skills of the future:
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
AI is already being integrated into our everyday lives, from robots serving in restaurants to self-driving cars.
AI is in high demand in industries such as healthcare, robotics, finance, marketing, transport, aviation and telecommunications.
Employees who are adept at using AI and machine learning can help companies develop innovative products and services.
Technical knowledge of programming skills such as JavaScript, Python and C++ are required to pursue an AI-based career.
Having a basic understanding of data science is equally important in regards to machine learning algorithms.
FINTECH
Fintech, or financial technology, uses new technology which makes financial services accessible to the public.
It encompasses mobile apps for digital banking as well as cryptocurrency platforms and online transactions.
Multinational corporations and large organisations such as the 'Big Four' accounting firms are constantly on the lookout for fintech talent in this rapidly changing industry.
There is a growing need for fintech professionals skilled in areas such as cyber security, programming and software development.
Aside from technical skills, they must also have excellent organisation, communication and multitasking skills.
FASHION TECHNOLOGY
Several technological advancements are needed in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable and consumer friendly in the long run.
Smart wearables are the future of fashion technology. An example would be clothing capable of tracking one's heart rate for fitness.
Virtual reality (VR), 3D printing, blockchain and AI are the other technologies being used in the fashion industry.
Sustainability is also a key trend in the industry, which means graduates who want to enter this field need to be equipped in various areas besides fashion design.
Using machines to reduce fabric wastage, developing sustainable clothing material and using blockchain technology to ensure transparency with consumers are just a few examples of sustainability in fashion technology.
GREEN CONSTRUCTION
Green construction is no longer an abstract concept; it is happening around the country and throughout the world.
It involves minimising the negative impact of construction on the environment such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The Ministry of Works initiated the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan 2021-2025 in Malaysia, which aims to achieve better productivity and safety, and leans towards a more sustainable approach.
Both homebuyers and developers are seeking to create environmentally friendly structures; so green building contractors and construction managers are in high demand.
SPATIAL DESIGN
Spatial design focuses on the relationship between architecture, design and people to create functional styles and creative spaces.
Spatial designers study how humans interact with the space around them, and come up with ways to improve them.
They can also use technology such as environment scanning with 3D cameras, VR and 3D renders to ease the design process.
Being skilled in spatial design also requires soft skills such as two-way communication to better understand the client's needs and concerns.
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PROGRAMMES
Taylor's University has championed tech-driven degree programmes over the years to prepare future graduates for career fields that are evolving due to digital transformation.
In 2020, it introduced Robotic Design and Development, Accounting (Fintech) and Fashion Design Technology degree programmes.
The Robotic Design and Development programme, endorsed by the Malaysia Robotics and Automation Society, gives students the opportunity to go on a year-long industry placement for work-based learning experience.
As for the Accounting (Fintech) programme, it provides a comprehensive look into accounting and financial technology. Students also have access to Taylor's Trading Room with Bloomberg terminals and stand an opportunity to obtain a Bloomberg Certification.
The Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology is designed as a unique combination of standard design and sewing curriculum with technological components in both learning experience and module contents. The programme boasts illustrious partners such as Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and renowned fashion brands.
Taylor's University has launched the Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Digital Construction Management on Jan 12, 2023.
The future-focused programmes are meant to equip students with soft skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, creativity and adaptability.
Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design
Students will learn theoretical foundations of spatial design alongside immersive technology and automation content for indoor and outdoor environments.
The programme offers two specialisations:
- Smart Homes Design: Produces designers who are capable of creating a personalised smart living space that can operate automatically.
- Smart Environment Design: The programme is designed to change the way humans interact with products and consume information using spatial technologies.
There are three learning tracks to choose from – a conventional internship, a work-based learning experience with industry partners such as FrameMotion Studio Sdn Bhd, Virtual X Malaysia, Ministry XR, HONOR and IMT Smart Home or the technopreneurship mode that presents students an opportunity to start a business while being mentored by Taylor's University's entrepreneur startup incubator, BizPod.
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Digital Construction Management
The degree prepares graduates to address the challenges of sustainability and digital transformation in the construction industry.
Students will have hands-on experience and industrial relevance, as the programme is co-led by industry leaders and partners such as Eco World Development Group Berhad and Green Quarter Sdn Bhd.
The programme offers two specialisations:
- Smart Construction: Introduces technology that can improve construction management practices using the Internet of Things, Advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and extended reality.
- Green Construction: Promotes energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling emphasising sustainable approaches.
Students will have two learning tracks to choose from – a conventional internship or a year-long work-based learning experience with reputable industry partners to prepare them for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industries.
Taylor's University's new programmes will open for the first intake in March 2023. Visit its website to find out how to become a future-ready graduate in technology.