BY 2025, it is estimated that 85 million jobs will be displaced while 97 million new ones will emerge, with roles that are more reflective of the division of labour between humans, machines and algorithms.
Citing this from a World Economic Forum report, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Assoc Prof Dr Tan Chin Ike said the emerging workforce is one that will and should be data-literate, comfortable working with artificial intelligence (AI) and robots, and engage in lifelong learning.
Tan“You may see a surge in drone deliveries over the next 15 years. Food or packages will be delivered to your doorstep more efficiently and faster than Grab could, and that is a layer of disruption to the gig economy,” he said.
With times changing, he emphasised that the only way students can evolve and stay relevant is to adopt technology and train themselves to understand how data can grow companies and businesses.
The key, he pointed out, is to be comfortable with using technology, which has the ability to reduce the time spent on menial tasks, helping with bigger-picture projects.
He added that as technology is evident in any area, pairing core disciplines with the top 10 soft skills in 2025 (see infographic) and a tech-centric global outlook can go a long way.
Dr Ooi“Companies these days prefer people with adequate soft skills, like creative thinking, more than technical skills.
“But most importantly, tech-centricity, which is a new element added, is crucial for students to understand, especially with so many new things happening in the technology marketplace.
“If you are a person who understands how to use ChatGPT and generative AI to make your presentations more effective, and to shorten your project management and timelines, you will be at the forefront of this competitive generation,” he said.
Agreeing, Mahsa University Faculty of Dentistry Preclinical Sciences Department head and senior lecturer Dr Ooi Der Jiun said in order to stay ahead of the game, students need to develop T-shaped skills, a metaphor used in job recruitment to describe the strengths of an individual in the workforce.
“AI will not replace you but people using AI will in fact replace you.
“Other than handling a depth of high-level expertise in one discipline, we should be able to manage a wide range of discipline skills and knowledge.
VikneshThis will enable us to survive in this AI-driven landscape,” he explained.
He added that while it is not necessary to be an expert in AI, it is important to learn its fundamentals to gather a basic understanding.
“Stay curious and informed, keep an open mind, and stay updated about the latest developments in AI.
Adapt to change; we must remember that AI is an evolving field – what we learn now might already be different in a year.
“Therefore, beginning to incorporate AI into our practice balances tradition and innovation,” he said, adding that in dentistry, AI proves to be beneficial in several ways, such as providing enhanced diagnostics and patient care, improving accuracy, saving time and cost, and planning advanced treatment.
“With the presence of AI, the process of interpreting radiographs or X-ray images becomes more automated because it requires a lot of knowledge and training.
Things that go unnoticed through the human eye can also be picked up using AI,” he said.
However, he cautioned that even while embracing the perks of AI, it is important to remember that human touch is integral.
“The goal is for AI to complement, not replace, humans, so dentists can deliver better care and navigate their work as easily as possible,” he said.
He also said it is important to understand the ethical implications of AI, such as bias in algorithms and the handling of patients’ data privacy.
Staying educated about these issues can contribute to responsible AI implementation, he stressed.
Chiming in, Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia Campus Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science Assoc Prof Dr Viknesh Andiappan said priority must be given to digital know-how and skills in the age of AI.
“We need to push students towards the direction of process automation and digitalisation. Skills such as coding, programming and simulation are highly precious in order to forecast feasibility.
“If you have companies that sell technologies, you need to have the technical know-how to sell those technologies. In that sense, a lot of engineers become sales engineers where they can communicate the technical things to clients,” he said.
Tan, Dr Ooi and Viknesh shared their views during their respective talks at the Star Education Fair 2023, which was held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre from Aug 26 to 27.
The titles of their talks were “Technology and the Future of Work”, “AI is Transforming Dentistry, but Will it Replace Dentists?”, and “The Role of Next-Gen Engineers in the Era of Sustainability”, respectively.
This year’s fair kicked off at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang on June 10 and 11, with the next and final edition of this year’s event to be held on Dec 9 and 10 at the same venue.
For details on the Star Education Fair, visit facebook.com/stareducationfair or email edufair@thestar.com.my.
How to nail the ‘right’ course
CHOOSING a tertiary course for oneself can be a daunting experience, especially since there is an abundance of options available.
SudeshSelf-reflection, said Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) School of Business and Economics business development assistant dean Dr Sudesh Prabhakaran, is thus important in this process, along with doing research about the courses and institutions.
Advising students to consider their passion and “what they truly want to do”, he also stressed the need to pay attention to course accreditation.
“Students must ensure that the programme they choose is recognised not only in Malaysia but also internationally.
Harry“There are many accreditation bodies right now, such as the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Quality Improvement System (Equis) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which recognise degrees and diplomas,” he told StarEdu.
Asserting that established universities often offer a more comprehensive experience, Sudesh said rankings should also factor into the decision-making process.
Finance too plays a significant role, he added, noting that while some institutions might seem expensive, these costs are often justified by excellent campus facilities and maintenance.
Understanding the financial commitment and discussing it openly with parents is essential, he said.
As industry exposure is a vital part of 21st century tertiary learning, Sudesh emphasised the need to enquire about opportunities for a quality internship experience.
HarisCiting UPM’s approach, he said industry professionals and alumni members actively engage with students.
“UPM brings in professionals from diverse fields to teach its students, ensuring that students get real-world, practical insights.
“Internships aren’t about photocopying papers; they are about selecting the right company, a place where students can learn and grow,” he said.
Highlighting evolving job demands, City University Malaysia Faculty of Business Management acting dean Assistant Professor Dr Masri Abdul Lasi said it is crucial for students to look beyond societal pressures and parental expectations, and focus on programmes that are in demand in the market.
Times are changing, he said.
Cautioning students against confining themselves to traditional fields which are often seen as the ideal career paths by parents due to their perceived stability, he recommended considering courses that provide a broad understanding of their chosen industries, allowing them to explore various scopes of work.
“Fields like accounting, finance and data analysis are some of the programmes that students should consider,” he said.
Meeting prerequisites
In filmmaking, passion, dedication and finding one’s unique voice are important ingredients that will carry students far.
According to New York Film Academy Australia International Outreach and Enrolment manager Harry Chaudhary, stepping into the world of filmmaking is like embarking on an epic storytelling journey; it is more than just cameras and scripts.
“Students should consider their dedication to the industry, and their commitment to the academy and to the craft,” he said.
MasriHe added that in the film industry, networking and communication are key.
“At our academy, students not only learn from seasoned professionals, but also have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with them.
“Communication, especially for international students, is key to bridging the gap between cultures and to thrive in a new environment,” he said.
Commending Malaysian students for their creativity, dedication, and love for learning, he pointed to inspiring success stories of the academy’s Malaysian graduates who have worked on major film productions, like Godzilla and Mortal Kombat 2.
For those aspiring to be pilots, International Aero Training Academy (IATAC) flight instructor Captain Haris Khan said a solid foundation in subjects like Physics gives students an upper hand in understanding the intricacies of flight.
“The basic requirement is the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), with a strong emphasis on physics and maths,” he said.
“There’s also a common misconception that wearing glasses disqualifies you. This assumption is wrong. Many successful pilots do in fact wear spectacles. This includes students whom I have instructed,” he added.
Obtaining a Malaysian licence opens doors worldwide, said Haris, who described flying as not just a career but also a lifestyle.
Financial stability follows, with pilots often travelling and staying in luxurious accommodation while doing what they love, he offered.
Vital considerations
If students are at a loss, it is wise to seek advice from counsellors who can guide them towards courses that would suit them, along with financial aids that can help support them.
Looking at how artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm, I would strongly recommend students to look into the top skills and fields that are on the rise.
By integrating AI across their learning, students can pick up these skills and gain an upper hand when looking for a job.
They will be able to understand AI’s potential and limitations while applying them to real-world problems.
– Management & Science University (MSU) Continuing & Extended Education Centre (Cedec) assistant director Mathilda Moi Din
Lots of job opportunities and courses leverage the use of AI tools, and if students are able to collaborate with the AI-driven market, their knowledge of these will be very useful.
The only way they can stay relevant is to be tech-centric. But know that you must never limit yourself to a job just because of the prospect it brings; you must also have interest in it to excel in your career.
Enhancing your soft skills can bring better opportunities.
– SEGi University & Colleges Faculty of Education, Languages, Psychology and Music programme leader Dr Norehan Hussin
Look at the needs of the industry.
Nowadays, there are various courses and programmes that have emerged due to employability opportunities and changes within the macro environment.
The meteoric rise of AI has impacted the world drastically. I highly recommend that students instil a mindset that trains them to make decisions where technology can’t.
Regardless of technology, I still think that there is some human element at this point of time that tech has not mastered yet.
– The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) business development manager (Malaysia) Rushdan Rozlan
Sudesh, Masri, Harry, Haris, Mathilda, Norehan and Rushdan were speakers at the Star Education Fair 2023, which was held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre from Aug 26 to 27.
