Thursday December 21, 2017
By Howe Foo howe.f@thestar.com.my
Digital transformation is gradually disrupting all sectors as we know it. It is the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, representing entirely new ways in which technology becomes embedded within societies and revamping how people work. It is because of this impactful digital movement that we are witnessing the creation of new job opportunities that are heavily related and reliant on technology.
One thing is for sure – going digital is the future of the workforce, and we see the Malaysian trend heading in that direction. Simply looking at Malaysia’s young demographic proves that, as most are heavy internet users and far more technologically savvy than any other group. It is predicted that 90% of all future jobs will require digital competency. Due to this, it is important for parents, teachers and the government to future-proof and equip Malaysia’s upcoming digital workforce for the challenges ahead. It is estimated that Malaysia will need one million digital professionals by the year 2025, if we are to be a prosperous digital economy.
Industry participation in a career fair offering internship opportunities and employment in digital technology.
The digital economy is expected to contribute 18.2% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2020. In line with the government’s approach towards the holistic growth of a digital economy, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) remains committed in nurturing and developing the digital workforce to meet the current and future demands of the industry. In light of this, MDEC and the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (MOHE) are working with private sectors and academia to provide complete digital technology learning opportunities to students who are looking to pursue a tertiary education in the sector.
To these aspiring digital technology students, here is a piece of good news. There are eight esteemed local universities that have recently received the Premier Digital Tech University status – University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Taylor’s University, Sunway University, Multimedia University (MMU), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) and Asia Pacific University (APU).But what exactly is this? A Premier Digital Tech University is an institute of higher learning recognised by MOHE and MDEC for its qualifications and commitment in offering top-notch digital technology courses in Malaysia. Apart from putting their students through intensive and special training in the digital technology sector, these higher learning institutes also ensure that their graduates continue to flourish and fill future digital job demands locally and globally. For all intents and purposes, it offers end-to-end talent pipeline development for the digital economy sector.
Active engagement in outreach activities by Premier Digital Tech IHLs Undergraduate students.
With the right education and guidance, these graduates will be sought after by reputable digital technology companies and will perform well in the real working environment. “The Premier Digital Tech University status is an honour to us at University of Malaya and we remain committed to our vision of being a leader in technology education and a centre for creativity and innovation. Malaysia is fast becoming a nation that is fully driven by digital economy and it’s evident from the rising number of many prominent Global Business and Services (GBS) companies arriving into our shores, recruiting our local talents to join their global workforce. I’m confident that this initiative will benefit the country’s digital economy in the long run,” said Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Abdul Rahim Hashim, Vice-Chancellor of University of Malaya. Looking at a recent example, DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, has announced that it is investing close to RM1.5 billion from now until the year 2020 to further develop its IT services data centre in Cyberjaya. This announcement spells out positive progress in employment creation, contributing to Malaysia’s rising digital economy growth. DHL celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its IT services data centre that has provided critical IT infrastructure, business application development and support for global operations.
Digital Tech Career Centre Launch at one of the Premier Digital Tech IHLs.
In fact, the GBS sector (which DHL is categorised in) is one of the important sectors supporting the Premier Digital Tech University initiative by hiring local digital technology graduates. Malaysia’s GBS sector will see a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% to 15% for the next five years and DHL IT Services was one of the pioneers of GBS in Cyberjaya and Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Malaysia when it started its operations back in 1997, serving both regional and global clients. Since 2006, DHL has hired close to 500 new graduates which have helped in building up the local IT talent market.
“Digitisation plays an increasingly strategic role in helping global logistics networks achieve the speed, reliability and accuracy needed to keep pace with today’s demands. The investment we have made in Cyberjaya demonstrates our commitment towards enhancing our capabilities – and helping our customers improve their market positions through best-in-class IT infrastructure and skilled talent,” said Alexander Pilař, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, IT Services, Deutsche Post DHL at a recent media briefing held in KL.
Based on the recent AT Kearney’s Global Services Location Index report, Malaysia continues to be ranked as third best location in the world for GBS investments. Malaysia’s digital technology professionals and graduates are praised for their competent skills and availability, and the country is favoured for its supportive government regulations. It is no surprise that Malaysia is preferred, looking at our country’s strategic location that makes it a perfect investment destination in this region and beating competitors such as India and the Philippines.
The Launch of Premier Digital Tech IHLs on 28th August 2017 by YB Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh, Minister of Higher Education in Putrajaya.
The GBS sector is undeniably vital in enhancing Malaysia’s digital economy, employing more than 95,000 people who are adept in delivering end-to-end services in IT, Finance Accounting, Human Resources and Procurement, among others from Malaysia and other parts of the world.By implementing the Premier Digital Tech University standard, more future graduates will become dynamic members of an innovation-driven and knowledge-powered nation. The initiative is set in nurturing promising talents and channelling them into the right institutions, and universities are welcome to improve and upgrade the quality of their education courses and lecturers. Students who show keen talents and have performed successfully in digital creativity and innovation are encouraged to pursue digital technology courses at any Premier Digital Tech University awarded by MOHE and MDEC.
To find out more about Premier Digital Tech University, you can visit www.mydigitalmaker.com/premier-ihl. On this website, you can sign up for an account for free to receive the latest updates on Premier Digital Tech University and obtain first access to plenty of #mydigitalmaker student benefits.