In expanding on TalentCorp’s new mandate, Sim highlighted the importance of the government developing its own intelligence capacity to craft strategies for policy development, advocacy, and future planning.
“We are in an increasingly geo-fragmented world with shrinking markets. As policymakers, we need to understand the global landscape, so that we stay relevant and are creative to leverage short-term opportunities and lay the groundwork for long-term and sustainable solutions.
“This is where I see TalentCorp playing a key role as the ministry’s think tank, working with departments and agencies under the ministry to address the evolving challenges within the Malaysian workforce,” he said.
He made this announcement at TalentCorp’s Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC) for the electronic and electric (E&E) inaugural meeting held in George Town, Penang, on March 6.
Sim said TalentCorp is in a unique position to play the part, through its many programmes for both local and global talent, working across ministries, agencies, industry and academia.
He also said TalentCorp’s new role would be an add-on alongside the agency’s core functions and would not incur any additional cost.
Sim said the first project that TalentCorp will undertake in its new role as the ministry’s think tank is an impact report on the effect of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and green economy on the Malaysian workforce and work landscape.
“This study will be a reference not just for policymakers, but also for the industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to prepare the workforce of the future.
“The FSTC with its membership of industry captains will play an important advisory role in the study,” he said.
The study will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be completed in six months, by September.
TalentCorp was established in 2011 and tasked with driving Malaysia’s talent strategy, aimed at nurturing, attracting, and retaining the right expertise to spur economic growth.
Its work to advocate policies, drive strong and effective partnerships, introduce best practices, and develop intervention programmes are anchored on three strategic thrusts: optimise Malaysian talent, attract and facilitate global talent, and establish networks of top talent.