RIGHT POLICIES AND PRACTICES TO KEEP TALENT

KUALA LUMPUR: Good labour and employment practices are essential to attract global talent to Malaysia, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

While wages are an important factor, Sim said surveys among the younger generation revealed some favouring better working environments and flexible working arrangements.

“Global talent, be it foreign or Malaysians abroad, want a safe workplace in both physical and mental aspects,” he said, pointing out how the occupational, safety and health legislation now covered all economic sectors.

He said that the ministry placed a strategic focus on the labour force’s welfare, skills and productivity.

Sim said they are also looking at better pay, skills training, governance and social security.

Acknowledging the importance of the minimum wage, Sim however noted that it’s not the solution to all wage issues.

“That is where the progressive wage policy comes in, where the government pays small and medium enterprises to remunerate workers better.

“There is however the condition where the workers have to be upskilled. The policy also complements the current minimum wage mechanism,” he said.

Sim added that some 20,000 workers were expected to be positively impacted by the progressive wage policy which is currently at the pilot stage.

Sim was speaking at a panel discussion alongside Cabinet members Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

The panel discussion themed Ministers’ Pioneering Excellence: Creating a Talent-Driven Economy – Government Policies and Practices was held on Thursday (June 27) in conjunction with National Training Week (NTW) 2024.

Weighing in, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia is in a sweet spot where industries converged.

He said many companies are looking at Malaysia as a hub, which will benefit both local enterprises and the workforce.

“Without the right human capital and talent management however it is difficult for the country to realise its dreams and aspirations to become an industrialised nation,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said nurturing talent required a whole-of-nation approach, saying there was a need to be dynamic and agile when drafting talent management policies.

Nancy said it is essential to introduce new policies, regulatory efforts and support programmes to encourage women participation in the labour force.

This includes tackling the burden of care work while creating an enabling environment for women to thrive professionally.

“A robust care economy plays a pivotal role. By addressing challenges faced in balancing caregiving responsibilities and professional aspirations, we can foster a more inclusive workforce,” she said.

She said women made up 50% of the population and with their inclusion into the workforce will significantly contribute to the economy.

“Investments must be made to provide better support for the family units including establishing childcare centres at the workplace, professionalising the care sector and return to work programmes for women,” she said.

Zambry said the Cabinet was working to equip graduates with the necessary skills, knowledge and experiences for current and future job demands.

Zambry said among the efforts taken was reviewing the concept of work-based learning.

“Through this, we can open courses where students can have flexible study options.

“Microcredentials systems are another area as people are sprinting towards being licensed and certified in their fields,” he said.

NTW 2024 is organised by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).

Being held from June 24-30, NTW 2024 is a continuation of the highly successful NTW 2023.

NTW 2024 features a full week of nationwide training events and activities bringing together organisations and individuals from various backgrounds and industries to experience a multitude of learning and development opportunities.

Training is offered by Malaysians and for Malaysians for free in multiple locations and through various learning modes and platforms.

NTW 2024 culminates in a two-day training event at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here today and tomorrow (June 29 and 30).