LETTER: Malaysians are bravely fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now is the chance to remake the future for the better.
Recovery means making adjustments to sluggish economic growth, widening inequality and nations becoming more isolationist.
These might sound depressing, but it is also in times like these that we can change our policies for the future.
Covid-19 has made us realise that we can adapt to survive. We work and study from home, avoid public gatherings, minimise physical contact, wear face masks, learn online and stay home.
Governments worldwide have indicated the willingness to invest for the future. Recovery should be about people, our greatest asset and strength during peacetime, more so in times of crisis.
It is only fitting for governments to make massive investments to develop and equip people with skills.
We need to strengthen people's resilience and long-term sustainability as a precaution against the next crisis.
This means we must become a maker and producer, and not just a price-taker in the market. We need an anchor to function, like how Samsung is to South Korea.
Petronas has been a great partner for progress, but as the outlook for oil and gas remains challenging, we must invest in new areas of growth, such as the creative industry and bioeconomy.
There should be closer ties between the public and private sectors to boost talent development through learning and leadership development.
Talent development between the public and the private sectors can be a new working arrangement for the future because both sides need each other to maximise opportunities for Malaysians at home and abroad.
Structural reforms must be undertaken through innovation to optimise growth, productivity and gains.
Malaysians must embrace new mindsets, learn new competencies and adopt new tools that complement our strengths.
While digital competencies require data analytics, artificial intelligence, Internet of things, machine learning and software development, it is humans who must embrace values such as commitment, discipline, dedication and hard work.
Employment is about people and not just profit. Taking care of people is as crucial as the business.
Working in an environment of trust and respect will motivate people and make them feel that they are an integral part of the sum.
When we care for people, they will care for the organisation. Therefore, whether we fail or succeed is our call.
NUR AYUNI ZAINAL ABIDIN
Putrajaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times