Faced with a pandemic and constant changes in the workforce, participants were able to obtain answers and some assurance at the forum titled “Embracing New Normal of Workforce in 2021”, co-organised by the Department of Soft Skills Competency Kampar and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kinta on 26 December 2020, via ZOOM.

As the new normal becomes part of their lives, participants were offered insights and advice on ways to embrace the new normal in workforce from invited speakers, namely National Executive Vice President Matt Ngai, and Industry Partnership Executive of TalentCorp Malaysia Nazliyah Mohd Ali. Also present at the online forum were UTAR Vice President of Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong and JCI Kinta President Mooi Ying Xian, along with more than 300 participants.

“We are very fortunate to be collaborating with UTAR on this series that aims to bring attention, information and resources to UTAR students and youth in Perak, in order to prepare them in the future career undertakings. As we know, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted our social and economic ecosystem, and this has made securing employment difficult. Not to mention that business venture and having just to survive on a daily basis are also about to be more challenging than ever. Therefore, in this session, we address today’s topic because we want to help and empower our local youths with the most relevant, practical and updated information on the changes in the workforce. This includes information on the latest skills in demand to help build our youth’s confidence so they thrive in the workforce. In times like this, I would also like to urge our youths to step out of their comfort zone, and explore the limitless possibilities available,” said Mooi in her speech.

“We are positive that this collaboration will enable students to leverage the activities to be aware and learn of more current issues and trends in the industries. These activities will also benefit our students by equipping them with the right skills and mindset for the new working environment. I believe UTAR and JCI Kinta share similar goals towards the youth development of the nation. Thus, this collaboration represents a significant stride in promoting mutual understanding between both parties and paving the way for further strategic alliances on a win-win basis. I am confident that the collaboration will continue to grow from strength to strength,” enthused Prof Choong in his speech. He also thanked JCI Kinta for their generous support towards the UTAR Hospital Project.

On sharing their views of the pandemic affecting the workforce, the speakers agreed that the pandemic has brought forth both opportunities and challenges for various sectors. For instance, the speakers mentioned that sectors which are at the brink of innovation and forefront of changes from traditional ways benefitted from the situation. These sectors include manufacturing, financial and insurance, wholesale and retails, administrative work, pharmaceutical, medical supplies, and logistics. Sectors which are struggling to innovate and cope were hit the hardest, with the speakers listing the tourism sector as one of it due to restrictions of travelling locally and internationally. Other majorly affected sectors also included aviation, oil and gas, and agriculture.

The speakers also mentioned that mismatch of salary and skillsets will be a problem for graduates, while the advancement of technology will continue to accelerate. With that in mind, the speakers advised participants to equip themselves with critical thinking, along with additional added value skills to remain competitive in the employment market. They also advised participants to be involved in project-based learning and extra-curricula activities to expand their soft skills and knowledge.
Towards the end of the forum, the speakers advised participants to improve their skills through free online training. “Be agile, flexible, digitally savvy, and be proactive in improving your skills, so it will be easier to secure a job,” said Nazliyah. Meanwhile, Ngai advised participants to seek a mentor that could guide them and to learn from the mentors.

The forum is part of the Youth Entrepreneurs’ Masterminds Series, held in collaboration with JCI Kinta, to organise various activities throughout the year 2021. The activities include forums, coffee chats, talks, and workshops. This strategic alliance aims to provide a platform for Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local agencies to share their views and create awareness on the current working trends among students. Apart from benefitting the students, the series will also be raising funds for the UTAR Hospital Project.