Digital workers wanted
Discover the knowledge and skills needed for today’s top jobs.
WITH STPM and SPM results out, Sunway University School of Science and Technology associate dean, and computing and information systems department head, Assoc Prof Dr Lau Sian Lun; KDU School of Computing and Creative Media head Tan Chin Ike; and HeriotWatt University Malaysia School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences associate head Dr Soo Huei Ching, explain the skills and roles that are currently in demand.
Hays CEO Alistair Cox in his LinkedIn Influencer blog post had recently listed cyber security officer; data protection officer; chief automation officer; chief innovation officer; software developer - particularly those with front-end user interface experience; data scientist, analyst, artist, and visualiser; project and change management professionals; and AI developer; as jobs that will need filling.
Many of these jobs require you to solve problems using your computing skills, Dr Lau points out. So, students interested in these roles must be curious and enjoy solving problems.
“In the fast-changing pace of technology, one cannot remain stagnant. The learning journey must continue as students have to keep picking up new technologies and skills.
“The right attitude is also a must. Companies want persistence in delivery. Bosses don’t hire you to only solve old prob-
Data science was rated one of 2017’s best jobs in America, and the hottest fields in tech today. KDU School of Computing and Creative Media head Tan Chin Ike
The right attitude is also a must. Companies want persistence in delivery. Sunway University School of Science and Technology associate dean, and computing and information systems department head, Assoc Prof Dr Lau Sian Lun
lems. Without persistence, you would have long given up before discovering a solution,” he says, adding that proficiency in several programming languages will give some advantages in most of the computing jobs.
In Malaysia, the average salary for a fresh graduate in these roles is between RM3,000 and RM3,500, estimates Dr Lau. A typical starting salary may begin at RM2,500 to RM2,800, but sufficient experience could result in better pay.
“Don’t look at the starting pay of your first job. Look at the experience you’ll be getting within the next two years. If you perform, your career and future growth prospect will be bright,” he advises.
Emphasising that technology is merely a tool, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh says it’s “collective wisdom” that will see graduates thriving beyond Industry 4.0.
“People still come first. Technology must be centred on humanity and public interest. So, to be successful, you must have the right culture and values - tolerance, respect, care and compassion, will always be key regardless of the career you are embarking on.”
He says the ability to communicate effectively, work well with the team, think critically, and adapt quickly, are crucial in all future jobs.
“You must be prepared to learn, un-learn, re-learn and co-learn. If you have these skills, no matter what the job trend is, you won’t ever have to worry.”
Agreeing, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib points to how even the World Economic Forum recognises the importance of soft skills moving forward.
“It’s not just knowledge. The soul and emotions are important. Our children must be able to communicate.
“In tech roles, you can’t work alone. You can be trained to have tech skills but your values are equally important.”
Technology changes so fast that learning cannot end at the degree stage.
“Children are born with mobile devices in their hands, but that doesn’t mean that they will grow up with the ability to solve problems.”