We welcome Human Resources Minister Steven Sim's initiative in mandating Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) to serve as the strategic think tank for the ministry.
He said TalentCorp would produce an impact report on the effect of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and green economy on the Malaysian workforce and work landscape.
This study will be a reference not just for policymakers, but also for the industry, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to prepare for the workforce of the future.
While such studies are laudable in Malaysia's changing employment landscape, it is equally important to study why Malaysia is not able to produce indigenous talents who can create our own indigenous cultural products with a technological edge, which has universal demand.
While we export products produced from our natural resources, we also need to take into account indigenous craft that have tourism and export value.
Turkiye is a good example. On a recent visit to Istanbul, I was amazed to see indigenous craft on display, such as ceramics, gold, carpets and food like Turkish delight. They are high quality and also exported.
It is hoped that the Human Resources Ministry will also conduct a study into our indigenous talents and consider using technology to produce indigenous products. This can help transform the economy.
RONALD BENJAMIN
Secretary, Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
