Young PNB execs voice ideas to future-proof economy

KUALA LUMPUR: Financial literacy, national unity and future-proofing the economy were among the main topics of the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) dialogue at Permodalan Nasional Berhad’s headquarters.

Over 500 young PNB executives voiced their aspirations and hopes at the session, which was jointly moderated by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and PNB group chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar.

“To sum up, the main topics touched on national identity and the changes and preparations needed in the education system to future-proof our economy,” said Khairy.

He added that topics such as investments and financial literacy were also important, as demographic changes would add financial pressure to the population.

More dialogues would be organised, said Khairy, adding that Abdul Wahid had been identified as one of the figures to lead the TN50 dialogues in the private sector.

To date, he said the dialogues received about 51,000 aspirations from engaging 1.5 million people and needed to be increased.

In his opening speech, Abdul Wahid outlined suggestions such as introducing a compulsory third language at both primary and secondary school levels, as well as financial literacy or investment as a primary school subject.

Employees also discussed stronger support for working mothers, with radical ideas such as investing in robotics to create artificial intelligence to look after children while their mothers were at work.

Despite general laughter at the suggestion, Khairy remarked that he had heard a similar aspiration from Petronas employees at an earlier TN50 dialogue.

The discussion also delved into the topic of casual racism against both Malaysians and foreigners, and touched on the need to improve national-type schools to become a unifying point among Malaysians.

Speaking after the session, Khairy said preparations for the future economy should start now.

“The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) has begun its own sessions to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution.

“This includes both our human capital, our investment and industry so that we don’t miss out,” said Khairy.

In reply to a query on PNB’s investment strategy for the future, Abdul Wahid expressed his view that PNB would have to make more private investments, including companies specialising in future technology.

“The only thing is that before making such investments, we must have the skills to evaluate the risks and know how to mitigate these risks correctly,” said Abdul Wahid.