Ministers share views on talent development | New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: Four ministers took to the same stage to present their views on policies and the role of their ministries in building a competitive and innovative economy using an integrated approach to talent and workforce development.

They were Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir; Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim and Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

They shared their views during a panel discussion titled Ministers of Pioneering Excellence: Creating a Talent-Driven Economy – Government Policy and Practices organised by the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp).

Thursday’s programme at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) was also held in conjunction with the National Training Week 2024, which was held nationwide from June 24 to 30.

Approximately 500 people took part in the panel discussion, during which four ministers shared their observations, perspectives and policy actions aimed at supporting the development of talent and the country’s economy.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of inclusive policies in empowering women and shaping the future workforce, as well as providing a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate policies across trade, education and talent management.

In the discussion, Tengku Zafrul emphasized “Strategic integration of trade, talent management and industrial policy; Economic growth through the development of human capital.

He discussed how the government can strategically align trade policies, talent management initiatives and industry development strategies to optimize human capital and drive sustainable economic growth.

Zafrul said this project aims to explore the impact of trade agreements on talent mobility, leverage foreign investment to improve talent development, and foster collaboration between industry and educational institutions to ensure workforce readiness.

Zambry, in his talk titled “Shaping the Future Workforce: Higher Education Policy and Talent Management Strategies for the Jobs of the Future,” focused on government and higher education institutions working together in anticipating and preparing to meet job demand.

He said his ministry was exploring innovative approaches to curriculum development, lifelong learning initiatives and skills training programmes to equip citizens with the competencies required in new industries and jobs.

Nancy, in her speech titled “Empowering Women: Driving Economic Growth through Inclusive Talent Management Policies,” highlighted the important role of women in talent management and the country’s economic development.

She also highlighted the strategy of mainstreaming gender into inclusive policies by integrating policies into trade, talent management and education frameworks.

Nancy also addressed the issue of women in government positions and women’s participation in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM) fields.

Sim, in his speech titled “Unlocking Economic Potential: Integrating Human Resource Development with Trade and Education Policy,” discussed how the policies and initiatives of the Ministry of Human Resources have contributed to attracting, developing and retaining talent to drive economic growth.

This includes a strategy to adapt trade policy to the needs of the workforce by developing appropriate skills in educational institutions and implementing professional talent management programs.

According to Sim, such alignment enables the government to explore collaboration between government agencies, businesses and educational institutions in supporting a dynamic and competitive workforce and thus being able to drive a sustainable economy.

The program was moderated by Sayed Munawar Sayed Mustar and was attended by leading industry players in the country.