KUCHING: Continuous learning is needed to enhance the social skills of employees despite the advancement in technology.
Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri said involving workers in upskilling and re-skilling programmes will ensure they deliver their job well.
He noted that current jobs will be more challenging, due to the changes in technologies as the country is riding the wave of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0).
“As an employer, we must have the right framework to be better. Technology is constantly changing because humans are learning and the same happens to us in an organisation.
“If we stop learning, then the organisation will fail.”
Hallman said this during the panel discussion “Reset: Balancing Three Symbolic Elements: Work, Workers & Workplace” in conjunction with the Human Resource Development Corporation Open Day held at a local hotel here on Tuesday (July 5).
He mentioned that the skills needed in accordance with the technology change IR 4.0 include artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics; additive manufacturing, neurotechnologies; virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR); new materials and energy technologies.
Hallman pointed out that besides hard skills obtained from upskilling and re-skilling programmes, soft skills such as problem-solving, self-management, and working with people are also important in an employee.
Meanwhile, X-FAB Sarawak Director of Human Resources Maureen Labarge agreed that both employees and employers should upgrade themselves and build their skills.
“We must learn and improve our technical skills, be it through online, certificate courses, seminars, or training (re-skilling and upskilling).
“We as employers must take the opportunity to build human capital, be it hard or soft skills, and must be consistent in order to embrace the future so that they don’t get left behind.
“As a company, if we do that, employees can add value to the organisation. Once they have been upskilled and groomed, then they will be ready to take up challenges and be more proactive,” she added.
Maureen also pointed out that employees must align their skill set according to what the employer needs.
“This is to add value into our work or processes through innovation and at the same time, help others do more value-added work as well,” she said.
