MALAYSIA'S economic growth has been relatively robust since gaining its independence over six decades ago. The country can be said to have experienced economic crises just a handful of times.
However, since the Covid 19 pandemic struck close to two years ago, it had resulted in fellow Malaysians holding up to two jobs just to make ends meet at the present day.
Apart from that, it is also a known fact that it had caused a leap in Malaysians succumbing to the ‘Brain Drain’ syndrome – with many opting to travel south to Singapore to find jobs.
Are Malaysian youths today fleeing from Malaysia to gain more pay? Or are youngsters being too picky but then expecting big bucks?
The Vibes Culture and Lifestyle speaks to the National Association of Skilled Workers secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan in a special interview in conjunction with the 65th Merdeka and 59th Malaysia Day celebrations this year.
“This ‘Singapore Syndrome’ is not just attracting fresh or highly educated graduates, it is also attracting those with lower academic qualifications,” he explained.
Currently, according to Rizan, the requirements to work in the ‘Lion City’ are no longer difficult. They, too, are facing a shortage of local workers due to challenges in training and hiring staff for certain sectors, especially those that implement newer technology.
Rizan is project leader of Belia Mahir – which mobilises efforts to help the youth group ‘NEET’ (not in employment, education and training) attain higher education and skills training with the collaboration of higher education and training institutions.
He also plays a role in helping the target group for job placements in various industrial sectors.
The issue of university graduates finding it difficult to get a job in their area of qualification is nothing new and remains to be discussed.
Rizan believes that Malaysia does have many job opportunities and options. However, the youth mindset is of that the salaries offered are far too low and that certain job sectors are not attractive.
“Wages right now can reach between RM3,500 to RM4,000 for a 12-hour shift in the manufacturing sector. But because of the unfair negative associations for that sector, young job seekers refuse to accept these offers,” he stressed.
Rizan added that these jobs would then end up being grabbed by foreigners.
Other than that, Rizan also believes that rebranding job titles would bring about changes in the mindset of Malaysians and could draw more interest amongst the young.
“As an example, if the position of production operator is seen as uncool in the eyes of the younger generation, hence it should be retitled ‘manufacturing specialist’, or ‘production crew’. It is all just rebranding issues,” he asserts. – The Vibes, September 3, 2022
