M’sians optimistic about tech role in their jobs

But some fear it is putting their jobs at risk

KUALA LUMPUR: Most Malaysians are optimistic about the role technology plays in their jobs but fear that it is also putting their jobs at risk, according to PWC Malaysia’s ‘Digital Resilience in a New World’ report.

“There are lingering concerns about job security, with 34% of participants fearing that automation is putting their jobs at risk,” the report revealed based on a survey on technology, jobs and skills.

A total of 986 participants responded to the survey.

However, it noted that university-educated respondents and those with professional certificates believe that automation presents more opportunities than risks, compared to SPM leavers and those with technical qualifications.

Going forward, around 70% of the Malaysian respondents believe that technology will change their current jobs in the next three to five years.

As Malaysia recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, PWC Malaysia markets leader

Nurul A’in Abdul Latif said it would be tough for companies to protect jobs but necessary to keep the economic moving in the new normal.

“Governments and businesses have been grappling with the issue of upskilling for some time now, as the pace of technology continues to confound or are in some cases driving further divide among those with opportunities and those with little opportunities to upskill,” she added.

Meanwhile, the report disclosed that 49% of respondents believe that the onus for upskilling rests with the individuals themselves.

Given a chance, a majority or 93% of respondents said they would accept the opportunity to use technology or improve their digital understanding.

About 53% of respondents said they are given some opportunities by their current employer to improve their digital skills outside their normal duties.

However, it is clear that organisations can certainly do more to lay the right foundation for an environment of continuous learning, in support of their employees’ overall development.

Besides that, 46% of respondents said they were provided with all the necessary tools to be effective when working remotely during the movement control order (MCO) period in Malaysia.

“This points to a greater need for leaders to ensure their employees are provided with the right tools and technology infrastructure to facilitate remote working while ensuring productivity isn’t compromised,” the report stated.

Nonetheless, Nurul pointed out that there is a strong appetite for learning among Malaysians as well as awareness to upskill themselves as part of personal development.

“As we can see, 85% of the survey respondents said they would learn new skills or completely retrain as a means to improve their future employability.

“About 53% of respondents said they would like to become more proficient at learning and adapting to new technologies,” she added.