COME BACK, AZMIN URGES UK GRADS
Their experience and exposure in UK and Ireland can help rebuild economy, says minister at London fair
THE country needs new talent to formulate policies to rebuild the economy, said Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
Azmin, who was here for a brief visit, said the vast experience and exposure that Malaysian students had and the skills they acquired in the United Kingdom while studying here and in Ireland were assets to Malaysia.
“At a time when the country is struggling with crucial financial problems, we need new ideas from young Malaysians abroad
for the development of the economy and country.
“I am confident that our students in the UK and Ireland have the potential to help ensure that the economy recovers with their new ideas, approach and skills,” said Azmin to Malaysian journalists after launching the UKEC-Graduan Malaysian Career Fair 2019 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel here.
The career fair provides a platform for thousands of students to meet with key commerce and industry players and prominent corporate leaders, as well as offers opportunities for internships or jobs back in Malaysia.
He also reminded the students that it was crucial to continuously hone soft skills, particularly communication skills, critical thinking and cognitive capability, as well as adaptability.
“This is particularly important when you complete your studies and leave your tertiary institutions to pursue your careers. As we head into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, disruption and change will be the only constant.
“In this regard, studies conducted by the World Economic Forum on jobs tell us that owing to the pace of disruptions with the nature of jobs, mainly due to advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things and digitalisation, many jobs will be displaced.”
Nevertheless, Azmin said, new opportunities would unfold as other jobs would be created.
“These factors are significant in our drive to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Therefore, it cannot be overstressed that the capacity to acquire skills and readiness to adapt to new situations and demands are key ingredients for success.
“This is the time to build networks and contacts that will have a meaningful impact on your career trajectories. By all means, choose your career wisely, but come back to Malaysia. There is no better time to step up to the plate and answer the clarion call of New Malaysia.
“This is a Malaysia where integrity in governance is paramount; a Malaysia where accountability, transparency and the rule of law are hallmarks of the administration; and a Malaysia where delivery of pledges to the people must be fulfilled.”
On developments in Tabung Haji, Azmin said governmentlinked companies, such as Tabung Haji and Felda, needed a new workforce that was not influenced by politics and would help with restructuring efforts.
“The new management at Tabung Haji and Felda, for example, need the support of new talent to come back and contribute their new ideas,” he said, adding that it would restore confidence in these institutions.