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PIKOM, the National ICT Association of Malaysia proposes a more holistic tech talent strategy, focusing on talent development and enhancement in digital industry adoption to cope with today’s ongoing disruptions and rapid-paced lifestyle and work culture.

In a press release on 13 March, PIKOM warned that while the ICT sector contributed 18% to Malaysia’s 2017 GDP, the National Policy on Industry 4.0 stated that Malaysia’s skilled labour declined by 1% in 2010 to 18% in 2017.

A Frost & Sullivan survey of 435 companies found that almost 66% of companies here face talent shortages, although its Digital Report 2017 suggested that employment in the digital industry is projected to increase to 15% by 2020.

This is purportedly driven by business expansions coupled with a favourable economic outlook and competition from global and regional countries. It is expected that talent sourcing challenges would be more acute in the near future.

The Asian Digital Transformation Index 2018, a study released by The Economist Intelligence Unit, shares that Malaysia is one of the 10 Asian cities facing the most acute digital talent shortages.

PIKOM Chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah

PIKOM Chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah said, “Technology today affects not just the ICT sector but also disrupts across all industries. It is imperative that on-going talent development and engagement programs are aligned to the current evolution of technology. This is where the government leads the agenda to be more innovative and competitive in adopting technology into the ecosystem; where current and future talents are the key drivers in ensuring such successes for the nation.”

In its statement, PIKOM strongly advocates the Malaysian Government to play a leading role in formulating a focused talent strategy, driving it aggressively and proactively implementing it together with industrial and academic institutions.

On changes for talent transformation initiatives, PIKOM proposed 4 key pillars: Re-skilling/up-skilling talents; organizational process restructuring; agile workspaces and evolving people management culture.

“Our Goal is to position Malaysia as the talent hub for new emerging technologies. With the Government’s intervention, its engagement with key agencies like MDEC and HRDF, along with the involvement of industry associations and private sector, the future workforce will ultimately increase competitiveness for Malaysia,” stressed Ganesh.

About PIKOM

PIKOM, the NATIONAL ICT ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA is the association representing the information and communications technology (ICT) industry in Malaysia. Its membership currently stands at over 1,000 companies involved in a whole spectrum of ICT products and services which commands about 80% of the total ICT trade in Malaysia. PIKOM works to improve the business climate in the interests of all its member companies and to promote industry growth in line with national aspirations. PIKOM’s membership is open to all Malaysian companies who supply ICT products and services in the computing and telecommunications industries. However, non-ICT companies are also welcome to join the Association as associate members.