KUCHING: A proposal to increase workers’ retirement age to 65 has received support from Wishesland president Chi Poh Yung who believes there are more pros than cons to the idea.
He concurred with Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) that companies as well as the country have invested millions to train the workforce which would be at the peak of their experience level at the current retirement age of 60.
“For example, in China, the ministers are appointed at 60 years of age — some even older,” Chi told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Chi, who is Social Welfare Council of Sarawak (SWCS) vice president, said one of the benefits of increasing the retirement age is that both the government as well as companies would save a lot on investment in human resources development and training.
“I believe the senior workforce, with the right attitude, would be able to contribute back to their organisation,” he said.
He stated that the younger generation should tap into the older leaders’ minds for their experience and to reduce mistakes in decision-making.
Chi highlighted that a mixture of ideas and opinions from young, middle-aged and senior employees is a must to ensure all angles of the business environment are taken into account.
“Hence, ideas adopted in decision-making would be holistic and comprehensive,” he said, sharing his views that an organisation which comprised of a range of ages would be able to ensure its health and vibrancy.
With regards to business expansion, maintaining older staff could be beneficial too. He pointed out that it was often the senior employees who would be chosen to head newly established branches.
“Some companies also value these productive senior workers by appointing them as advisors or board members to embark on new roles in the company,” he said, adding that this was important so that guidance could be provided to the younger management if needed.
From a social angle, Chi stated that keeping seniors in the workforce for a longer time could reduce problems often linked to the elderly such as illness, increase in medical costs, loneliness and other family issues.
“In fact, for me there is only one negative, which is the so-called threat to the younger workforce in filling positions held by senior employees.”
He emphasised on striking a balance, saying, “We should give an option for early retirement if health does not permit.”
Chi pointed out that the younger generation should have a mindset that there are heaps of opportunities for them to showcase their talents, especially in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0.
“Many new job opportunities which require IT skills need the younger generation to take the lead,” he said.
