Malaysia needs more highly skilled workers for competitive edge

Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said this is especially so as new and emerging technologies require highly skilled workers which are in demand.  

He said, “Therefore, it is important for technologists, technicians, scientists, and researchers to be key players in the development of expertise to improve skills, productivity and the country’s competitiveness through science and technology.”  

The minister said this at a webinar entitled Accelerating Nation’s High Skilled Talent which discussed the importance of enhancing highly skilled talent in the country and its importance to Malaysia’s development. The webinar was organised by the Malaysia Board of Technologists. 

Dr Adham added that his ministry is committed to ensure that the fields of science, technology and innovation would continue to contribute to the people’s socio-economic well-being. 

He cited data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia report which showed that the country has 62.2% semi-skilled workers, 24.7% skilled workers and 13.1% low-skilled workers in the second quarter of this year. 

READ: Malaysia to focus on job and income recovery in 2022 budget

Luxembourg is at the top of the list of countries with the biggest number of people in high-skilled employment at 59.5%, followed by Singapore’s 54.7%, Switzerland’s 51.3% and the United States’ 42.2%, according to Bernama.