The need to upskill has never been more important than ever. Companies are eyeing multi-skilled employees who are able to bring more to the table, and it takes more than just having a degree to fight for a highly coveted spot in a company – even more so in this era of the new normal.
In the light of an uncertain economy with frequent news of retrenchments and organisational restructuring, coupled with rising unemployment, we would do well to expand our horizons by acquiring various skills. In the digital age, there is no stopping anyone from being a doctor by day and a digital marketer by night. The pandemic has shown us that having only one skill does not suffice any longer.
Viral news have highlighted instances where a pilot opened a food stall, and white-collar corporate workers opted to establish themselves in the food and beverage industry. Online collaboration tools, virtual meetings and digital marketing become the norm, almost overnight.
While the economic impact was severe, it also forged a new path of opportunities for many ahead, with new jobs taking top spots when industries started opening.
A recent survey by McKinsey Global Institute estimated that as many as 375 million workers or 14% of the global workforce will switch occupations or acquire new skills by 2030 because of automation and artificial intelligence. Local job listing company, JobStreet indicated a similar highlight with IT, education, manufacturing, construction, and banking sectors among the top sought after industries during the pandemic.
The Government’s recent announcement on the country’s digital aspiration through Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and 12th Malaysia Plan showcased a more technology-centric approach towards establishing a digital economy.
However, to be part of these aspirations and to navigate national and global changes in the industry, it takes more than just knowing your way through Microsoft Office. It requires reskilling and upskilling with the right tools.
If you’re looking to align your skills to market demands, now is a good time.
In the recently announced Budget 2022, the Government announced a budget of RM1.1 billion for upskilling and reskilling programmes. This also accommodates tax reliefs for those looking to level up their skills, with exemptions ranging from RM1,000 to RM2,000 for expenses incurred when attending reskilling and upskilling courses, claimable until 2023.
Adapting To The New Normal
In enhancing skills for many to adapt to the changing times, Taylor’s University through their MicroCreds programmes is offering courses in various relevant fields of study and this encompasses Strategic Leadership & Management, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Design, Communication Management, Education Technology and Hospitality Data Analytics among others.
“Microcredentials or MicroCreds as we call it here at Taylor’s, is an industry recognised certification of learning of a smaller set of courses with credit value. It is designed to verify, validate, and attest that you have the knowledge, skills, or competencies in a specific area.
“They are shorter and more flexible than a traditional degree and designed according to the current market trends for various industries and professions,” says Professor Dr Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Taylor’s University.
In addition to some of the university’s MicroCreds being stackable which counts towards credits needed in obtaining a degree should one choose to complete a degree programme, those enrolled may even earn a new Career Title.
Furthermore, these courses are taught by industry experts and experienced academics, where upon completion, graduates will be offered an e-certificate and a digital badge.
Prof Dr Pradeep highlights that the IR 4.0 coupled with the pandemic have brought dramatic changes to many industries with rapid advancements in robotics, Extended, Augmented & Virtual Realities, cloud technology, big data, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“New jobs that are emerging are those that can co-exist with technology, hence the need for working adults to upskill or reskill, not just for career progression but to also keep their jobs,” he concludes.
Taylor’s University is also an accredited partner that is part of the Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) programme, a collaboration between Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and Industry Leaders, that is committed to ensure future graduates are propelled into becoming dynamic members of an innovation-driven and knowledge-powered Malaysia.
To learn more about Taylor’s Microcreds and the programmes available, head over to https://bit.ly/TaylorsMicroCreds-2022
