Melaka: A TalentCorp impact study on artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, and the green economy indicates that 620,000 jobs are expected to be affected within the next three to five years. Deputy secretary-general (Operations) of the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), Sutekno Ahmad Belon, highlighted the rapid growth of emerging sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, smart logistics, experience-based tourism, the green economy, and healthcare services, particularly in Melaka and surrounding regions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sutekno emphasized that careers in these sectors require a blend of technical and soft skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, digital literacy, and teamwork. Findings from the Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL) and the MyMahir impact study conducted by TalentCorp confirm the enduring relevance of these skills across all industries.
Sutekno addressed the audience at the closing ceremony of the Young Employable Students (YES!) Rock the School programme held at the Dewan Canselori, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) in Durian Tunggal. The event was officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, with notable attendees including Senior State Executive Councillor Datuk Rais Yasin, Melaka Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Ibrahim Durum, UTeM deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Zulkifilie Ibrahim, and BPLTV director Zulkernai Fauzi.
He further explained that KESUMA is advancing the National Workforce Reform through three key agendas: future job analysis, lifelong learning, and enhancing collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions. The YES! Rock the School programme has already positively impacted over 13,000 school students and more than 500 teachers nationwide.
The programme gathered 800 participants, including students from various fields such as STEM, Engineering, and Commerce, alongside 200 educators from public universities and industries. It aims to help students identify industry-required skills through the MyMahir initiative, receive career guidance based on real data, and build self-confidence through direct interactions with industry experts.