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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt taking holistic approach to prepare workforce for AI disruptions, HR Minister tells Parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is adopting a holistic approach to prepare Malaysia's workforce for the challenges posed by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), including the risk of job displacement, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. He said the ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive review through the National Labour and Human Resources Policy Study, which includes aspects of reskilling and upskilling. The study is expected to be completed in 2026. 'To minimise the negative impact and maximise the positive potential of technological advancement, we are implementing several major initiatives focusing on human capital development through reskilling and upskilling, strategic industry-academia partnerships, and strengthened social protection programmes,' Sim said in a parliamentary written reply on Monday (July 28). He was responding to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who had asked whether the government intends to introduce a large-scale policy for reskilling and upskilling workers at risk of losing their jobs due to advancements in AI, along with the implementation and funding details of such efforts. Sim said that as a first step, TalentCorp has conducted a study on the impact of AI, digitalisation, and the green economy on Malaysia's workforce. Based on the findings, he said the ministry has developed the digital portal as a one-stop reference centre for future job roles, required skills and training programmes aligned with current labour market needs. To ensure skills development meets industry demands, he said the MyMAHIR Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC) has also been established, led by key industry players. 'This council is responsible for identifying training requirements and selecting suitable training centres,' he said. Sim added that the Department of Skills Development (JPK) has taken proactive steps to address the challenges of automation by developing new National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) geared towards future job demands. 'So far, more than 120 NOSS related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) have been introduced. 'These standards cover fields such as industrial automation, robotics, AI, cyber-physical systems and data analytics, and are implemented in over 3,600 accredited centres using modular approaches to accelerate workforce reskilling and upskilling,' he said. According to him, government is also expanding the Industry-Based Academy (ADI) programme, which allows existing employees to undergo training at their workplace without having to leave their jobs. He said this approach is supported by flexible certification pathways, such as Recognition of Prior Achievement (PPT) and micro-credentials, as well as strategic industry collaboration to involve employers directly. 'These efforts aim to produce a resilient workforce capable of transitioning from high-risk jobs to emerging growth sectors like smart logistics, renewable energy, agricultural automation and cybersecurity.' At the same time, he said the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) continues to provide upskilling and reskilling programmes through levy contributions from eligible employers. 'As of June 2025, 101,506 employers and 4.84 million workers have registered with HRD Corp, with 24.75 million training placements approved in the same period.' Meanwhile, he said the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) has also been actively offering reskilling and upskilling initiatives to insured individuals who have lost their jobs and require new skills to remain employable. 'Between Jan 1 and July 4, 2025, a total of 5,403 individuals participated in these programmes.' To support access to training, Sim said the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) has allocated RM100 million in training grants under the 2025 High-Impact Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Financing Scheme. 'This funding will benefit 4,167 trainees across seven key high-growth, high-value sectors, including artificial intelligence,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
23-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Focus on SMEs to boost women in workforce, says TalentCorp official
The government plans to increase the female labour force participation rate to 60% by the end of the year. KUALA LUMPUR : A greater focus should be placed on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of efforts to increase the number of women in the workforce, says a Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) official. TalentCorp's chief strategy officer Nazrul Aziz said it was necessary to further incentivise SMEs so that they would offer flexible working and caregiving arrangements to female employees. 'We have no issue with multinational corporations (MNCs) and GLCs. But for every 10 Malaysians, only three work for MNCs and GLCs. 'If we want to make a shift in the (labour market's) ecosystem, we need to focus on SMEs,' he said at a panel discussion on the World Bank's inclusive employment practices report launched here today. Nazrul spoke in agreement with human resources minister Steven Sim, who earlier highlighted the low participation rate in women's career comeback programmes. The TalentCorp official said SME employers needed to be further incentivised to support these programmes. 'We're providing tax incentives to companies that implement flexible working arrangements. 'But now, we have to focus more on SMEs, because MNCs and GLCs are already pretty much there (in supporting women's career comeback programmes),' he said. He added that so far, about 3,000 companies have participated in TalentCorp's advocacy programmes promoting flexible working arrangements. Former Women's Aid Organisation deputy executive director Yu Ren Chung said it was important to amend the Employment Act to outlaw discrimination against women during the hiring process. 'There's actually no law that prohibits companies from choosing not to hire someone because they might, for example, start a family. 'The Employment Act, right now, mostly covers employees, but there's no legal reason why it can't also tackle discrimination towards job seekers,' he said. Previously, World Bank economists had spoken about Malaysia's struggle to retain women in the workforce. The government's target is to increase the female labour force participation rate to 60% by the end of the year.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
BOOSTING GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
IN A significant stride towards integrated workforce recruitment, Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), a strategic think tank under the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), has rolled out a centralised digital ecosystem to streamline expatriate talent hiring procedures. The new system integrates the MYFutureJobs platform and Foreign Workers Integrated Management System (ePPAx) into Xpats Gateway, simplifying the approval process for employers and strengthening Malaysia's digital governance. This strategic move aims to streamline the process of connecting global talent with local opportunities, promising greater efficiency for businesses and clearer pathways for international professionals looking to navigate the Malaysian job market. It creates a more cohesive and structured ecosystem for talent acquisition, making it simpler for local businesses to tap into a global pool of skilled individuals. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said that this move reflects the country's commitment to improving regulatory coherence. The improved system marks the operationalisation of an automatically synchronised and end-to-end digital expatriate approval ecosystem. 'By streamlining the process, we are re-engineering and advancing government service delivery, raising productivity and reinforcing Malaysia as a competitive, investment-ready economy,' he said during a media briefing held at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Damansara on July 7. 'Integrating these platforms creates seamless, automated connectivity, making it a one-stop channel for businesses and employers.' He added that key regulatory requirements have been merged into the new Xpats Gateway system – Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955, regulated by the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department (JTKSM), and the MYFutureJobs acknowledgement letter, administered by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso). Coordinating through digitalisation Launched two years ago by TalentCorp, Xpats Gateway is a single-window online platform for expatriate application procedures, connecting 26 regulatory bodies and approving agencies. The integration of MYFutureJobs and ePPAx within the system went live on July 1. Previously, employers had to navigate their applications on three separate platforms – MYFutureJobs, ePPAx and Xpats Gateway – with varying approvals that took months to complete. Now, the newly integrated system offers key improvements, such as: > Eliminating redundancies: Companies can streamline processes, reducing repetitive data entry by 70%. > Shortening approval timelines: JTKSM and MYFutureJobs applications can be submitted concurrently, with processing times reduced to 10 working days each. > Enabling greater transparency and fraud prevention: Employers can track application status in real time, and all data and documents are sourced directly from official systems, reducing the risk of fraudulent submissions. Since its launch on July 1, Sim said that approximately 100 local organisations have used the new integrated system, with some already receiving first-stage approvals. He added that the system is expected to reduce turnaround times for application approvals to within 20 days. Sim also highlighted that there is on-arrival support for expatriates at the Expatriate Satellite Centres (ESC) in KLIA 1 and 2, facilitating employers and foreign talent to begin the employment process as soon as they land. 'Previously, employers had to take expatriates to their temporary accommodations until they received their expatriate Employment Pass (EP), before commencing work – which could take up to a month,' said Sim. 'Now, with the ESCs, the moment an expatriate lands in Malaysia, they will receive their EP and can start work immediately, if needed. This saves employers and hirers nearly RM500mil in annual expatriate support. 'That's what we're trying to do, increase the efficiency of service and reduce costs, so that companies can conduct their business effectively.' The Ministry's deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar said this system will improve public sector efficiency and aid the country in identifying and filling skill gaps. 'This integration is part of the government's initiative to provide a more holistic hiring ecosystem. It is the first step in our long-term plan,' he said. 'Having a centralised data repository will make it easier for us to address any skill mismatches and fill gaps, while also improving local employability prospects through reskilling and upskilling initiatives.' With approximately 100,000 expatriate applications annually, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban added that the integration will shorten processing times for expatriate EP approval, facilitating a growing and more progressive economy. 'This collaboration is an example of a whole-of-government approach to strengthening investor confidence, upholding national security and delivering more trustworthy and transparent public services,' said Zakaria. 'Based on recent statistics, there has been an increase in expatriates, with over 138,000 currently in the country. 'This is an indication that we are headed towards a more successful economy, and that business opportunities are increasing, which is why the need for hiring expatriates has increased.' Enhancing global competitiveness The initiative also seeks to support the country's competitiveness as a global investment destination, benefitting employers, government agencies, citizens and expatriates. TalentCorp group chief executive officer Thomas Mathew said the move not only reduces redundancies but will also enhance Malaysia's global competitiveness. 'We live in a world which is very competitive and a region that is even more so. Moving forward, we will look at how we can further improve the process,' he said. 'One aspect we are looking at is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) processing in Xpats Gateway. AI can assess and process data and documents at a faster rate, making it easier to conduct business in the country, attract more foreign investments, create more high-skilled jobs for our youth and ultimately grow the economy.' Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) chief executive Sheikh Farouk Sheikh Mohamed echoed Mathew's statements, highlighting that the digitalised system will improve the ease of doing business for companies. 'We live in the era of AI, and we can't run away from it. With the current global economic standards and rising costs of business, we have to embrace digitalisation. 'Doing so will increase the productivity level of the economy and reduce the cost of furthering business opportunities,' he said. European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) Malaysia chief executive officer Karl Godderis added that strategic improvements like this enhance competition with other developing nations, positioning Malaysia as an ideal destination for expatriates. 'Malaysia is not the only country in the region vying for investor attention. You have to compete for it,' he said. 'In the last few years, the country has been successful in attracting more foreign direct investment thanks to the increase in knowledge transfer. 'Knowledge transfer requires the mobility of people, so this initiative – which enables a much faster and transparent transfer process to move people – is a smart move in promoting Malaysia as a global investment destination. 'We live in a time where time-effectiveness is paramount, and investors expect no less.' Meanwhile, Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) deputy director-general Dr Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam said Xpats Gateway is a key enabler of the Madani Economy framework, as it aligns with national goals to position Malaysia among the world's top 12 most competitive economies by 2033. 'Through this initiative, we have already seen sector-related improvements in terms of efficiency, which has increased business productivity as well,' he said. 'By having this centralised system, we provide a platform for everyone involved to identify how we can further improve. With continuous enhancements, we will be on course to achieve the aspiration of our Madani economy.' He added that this efficient and modern approach to workforce approvals has already made an impact on the country, as Malaysia rose 11 spots to the 23rd position in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Rankings, driven by improvements in business efficiency and digital readiness.
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Education, skills programmes rolled out for armed forces families
KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry, through Yayasan Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (Yayasan LTAT), has introduced five educational initiatives to boost learning, skills development and welfare for the children and families of the armed forces. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said these initiatives were introduced to ensure the well-being of armed forces personnel, focusing not only on assets but also on education and skills for their families. "The first initiative is the e-Perkasa Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2025 Programme, a collaboration between Yayasan LTAT and Sultan Idris Education University, involving 652 students who are children of armed forces personnel attending schools outside military camps. "Through this programme, each selected student has been provided with a device for free, sponsored by BHIC AeroServices Sdn Bhd, Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Armed Forces Trading Corporation," he said at the launch of Yayasan LTAT's 2025 Educational Initiatives. Khaled said the second initiative is the SPM Elite Touch Programme, which involves 658 selected students from six in-camp schools. The students will benefit from activities such as tuition classes, answering technique workshops and career guidance programmes. "The third initiative is the Armed Forces Family Skills Programme, which extends education and skills development to the tertiary level for armed forces personnel, including members of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association and their children. The programme offers 22 short courses, including culinary arts and make-up. "Those pursuing studies in Mara institutions in the field of technical and vocational education and training or equivalent will receive tuition sponsorship of up to RM3,000 per person. This is a collaboration between Yayasan LTAT and the Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges Department, with funding support from Pharmaniaga Bhd as the main sponsor," he said. The fourth initiative, Khaled said, is the Madani Education Savings Programme, a collaboration between Yayasan LTAT and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation. "Through this programme, 3,775 Year One pupils, who are children of active military personnel, received a one-off contribution of RM50 each in the form of an SSPN Prime savings account, amounting to a total contribution of RM188,750," he said. The fifth initiative is the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programme, where Yayasan LTAT has formed a strategic partnership with Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). "TalentCorp will help boost awareness about the importance of STEM and provide career guidance, while USM will develop STEM learning modules and act as a coordinator with public universities to implement this programme in in-camp schools." Khaled witnessed the presentation of corporate social responsibility contributions amounting to RM3.2 million from Affin Bank Bhd, BHPetrol and Kemalak Group Sdn Bhd to strengthen the future of the defence generation. Present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, LTAT chairman General (Rtd) Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin, army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and Yayasan LTAT chief executive Datuk Dr Mohd Nizar Sudin. ends
Free Malaysia Today
15-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Expat job approvals within 20 days via new integrated platform
Human resources minister Steven Sim said 100 companies submitted applications and one company received approval within a week of the launch of Xpats Gateway. (TalentCorp pic) KUALA LUMPUR : A new integrated platform will reduce the time it takes to approve employment pass applications for expatriates from months previously to just 20 working days, says human resources minister Steven Sim. Sim said Xpats Gateway now integrates the processes involving the labour department's Integrated Foreign Workers Management System (ePPAx), MYFutureJobs, and the immigration department's expatriate services division. 'The fully integrated system now consolidates the previously fragmented processes under the labour department, the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), and the immigration department's expatriate services division into a single end-to-end platform. 'Previously, employers had to submit documents across the three different portals and agencies, with the approval process taking four to six months,' he said at a media briefing today. Sim said employers will no longer have to upload documents and fill in forms on three different platforms, and that the platform was expected to reduce their administrative costs by up to 70%. He said that in the first week since the platform's launch, 100 companies had submitted employment applications through the system. 'One of them received the approval in seven days, well within the new 20-day benchmark. That is a lot of time and manpower saved. What used to be a 180-day wait has now been cut to a shorter period,' he said. Sim commended Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) for leading the platform's development and integration, saying the platform was made in-house. 'TalentCorp's delivery of this platform internally reflects the strength of talent within our public sector, while ensuring sensitive data remains secure and governed within Malaysia,' he said. Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban voiced support for the integrated platform, saying it would shorten processing time while ensuring transparent documentation in approving expat job passes. 'This collaboration between the home ministry (through the immigration department) and the human resources ministry is an example of a whole-of-government approach to strengthen investor confidence, uphold national security, and deliver more trustworthy and transparent public services,' he said.
