The Need for More Highly Skilled Workers in Malaysia

By Suzlin Nordin

Source: Employment Statistics, First Quarter 2024, Dept. of Statistic Malaysia (DOSM)

In recent statistic (above) about Malaysia's workforce, a striking statistic stands out: less than 30% of Malaysian workers are classified as skilled. This raises important questions about the state of the labor market and the future of the country's economy. Are Malaysian workers simply uninterested in advancing their skills? Or is the issue more systemic, rooted in organizational support, economic stagnation, or cultural attitudes towards learning?

Understanding the Current Landscape

According to the Employment Statistics for the First Quarter of 2024 from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), only 25.1% of jobs in Malaysia fall into the skilled category, with a staggering 62.5% classified as semi-skilled. This distribution highlights a significant skills gap that could hinder economic growth and innovation.

The Chicken or the Egg Dilemma

The situation begs the question: Is this a case of workers not caring about their skills, or are they simply not given the right opportunities? Or, to put it bluntly: Are Malaysian workers simply lazy, or is there more to the story? Here are some perspectives to consider:

1. Lack of Organizational Support: Many companies may not prioritize employee development. If businesses do not invest in training programs or create a culture of continuous learning, employees may feel discouraged from pursuing further education or skills training.
2. Economic Stagnation: When businesses are not expanding or innovating, there is little incentive for workers to upskill. Companies focused on survival rather than growth may not see the need for a highly skilled workforce, leading to stagnation.
3. Cultural Attitudes Towards Learning: In some cases, there may be a cultural aspect at play. If lifelong learning is not deeply ingrained in the workforce ethos, employees might not prioritize skill development. This could stem from educational systems that emphasize rote learning over critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Wage Stagnation: Despite the demand for skilled workers, wages have not kept pace with inflation or the rising cost of living. This can lead to disillusionment among workers who feel that their efforts to upskill may not be adequately rewarded.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the current statistics paint a concerning picture, there are opportunities for improvement. The Malaysian government has recognized the need for a more skilled workforce and has initiated programs aimed at bridging the skills gap. For example, the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, 2021-2025 aims to increase the percentage of skilled workers to 35% by 2025, highlighting a commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the local workforce.

Moreover, the Department of Statistics Malaysia has been actively collecting data to analyze labor market trends and inform policy decisions. This data-driven approach can help identify areas where training and development are most needed.

In conclusion, the situation regarding skilled workers in Malaysia is complex and multifaceted. It’s not just about workers lacking motivation; it’s about a systemic issue involving organizational support, economic conditions, and cultural attitudes towards education and skill development.

To truly address the skills gap, both employers and employees must step up. Companies need to invest in their workforce, while workers should embrace opportunities for growth and learning. After all, in a world where change is the only constant, staying relevant is not just an option - it’s a necessity.

So, let’s not be the chicken that just sits there clucking about the lack of eggs. Instead, let’s be the egg that hatches into a skilled workforce, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow!

References:

1. Hasnan, B. (2024, May). Malaysia report. Asia Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA). Retrieved from https://asiapacificcda.org/malaysia-information/
2. Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). (2024, July 10). Dashboard on labour market. Retrieved from https://open.dosm.gov.my/dashboard/labour-market
3. Nordin, R. (2024, March 25). Initiative to develop skilled workforce. New Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2024/03/25/initiative-to-develop-skilled-workforce
4. Kamaruddin, F. (2024, May 27). DoSM: More than a third of graduates are in semi-skilled, low-skilled jobs. New Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/05/1055763/dosm-more-third-graduates-are-semi-skilled-low-skilled-jobs
5. Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). (2024, May 15). Employment statistics, first quarter 2024. Retrieved from https://www.dosm.gov.my/portal-main/release-content/employment-statistics-first-quarter-2024

Credits to: Iskandar Noor, LinkedIn for the idea.