Photo op: Attendees taking a wefie with Sim at Kesuma Green Skills Fair 2024. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Employment opportunities to grow in tandem with sector’s expansion
KUALA LUMPUR: More green job opportunities are open as Malaysia’s green industry expands, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
In response to this demand, the ministry hosted the first-ever Kesuma Green Skills Fair 2024.
The fair offers 3,000 jobs in the green sector, many of which are high-paying, quality jobs with a monthly salary of RM3,000 to RM16,000, said Sim.
“It is the ministry’s focus to prepare the Malaysian workforce for the economic challenges of the 21st century, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the green economy,” he said.
“The government has set up strategic frameworks like the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap to further the green economy.”
The former seeks to push for net zero carbon emissions and present new economic opportunities to capitalise in new green growth areas while the latter aims to attract potential investments of up to RM1.3 trillion, which is expected to generate 310,000 jobs in 2050, he said.
In Budget 2024, RM230bil was allocated for the sustainability-related development agenda with RM30bil being fiscal injection from the government and RM200bil being commitment from the private sector.
“All of these will eventually translate into jobs for Malaysians,” Sim said.
According to data from MYFutureJobs last year, there were 30,000 green jobs available, he said.
“As of April this year, we already have 4,000 green jobs up for grabs,” he added.
Sim said the fair is an effort by the ministry to increase awareness about green jobs, as many are unaware of these opportunities.
Admission is free at the fair, to go on until tomorrow at the Avenue K mall here, for job seekers and those interested in green jobs.
Also happening at the same time is the Asean Green Jobs Forum, with representatives from Asean countries, Australia and international bodies.
Sim also revealed the ministry’s theme for Labour Day this year.
“Our primary focus and theme is ‘jobs jobs jobs’ and ‘skills skills skills’,” he said, adding the ministry would hold 20 programmes in conjunction with Labour Day.
“From April 30 to May 1, MYFutureJobs Kesuma Madani Job Fair will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre with 13,000 jobs on offer.”
Meanwhile, Sim said TalentCorp is conducting a study on the impact of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the green economy on Malaysia’s job market.
The first interim report would be ready in six months, he said.
“It will provide a framework not just for the government but for companies and the workforce as well to prepare for the 21st century economic landscape.
“They will look at what kind of jobs will remain or may be replaced, and what new jobs will be formed,” he said.
