THE Association for Community and Dialogue (Acid) welcomes the new e-learning hub e-LATiH that was launched by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) as part of efforts to assist Malaysians during this difficult period. It offers free access to hundreds of skills development and educational-based courses.
A collaboration between HRDF and Go1, one of the largest international e-learning aggregators, e-LATiH would be available to all Malaysians until February 5, 2022.
The creation of an e-learning hub is long overdue on the part of HRDF, but it is a way forward to the democratisation of education for workers. It reveals a context of uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic crisis that requires an effective, efficient, and timely way of reaching out to the distressed working community without the necessity of an employers’ hierarchy.
Furthermore, due to various global trends such digitalisation and new economic models emerging (such as the green economy) within the context of sustainable development, it has become imperative that education should directly reach the population so that they could have easier access to various skills training which are beyond the conventional knowledge and skills.
The government has a significant role to play in ensuring that education is free or has a minimal cost.
It is vital for members of state assemblies, Parliament, community leaders and business leaders to play a critical role or mission by introducing their people to this e-learning hub as part of their duty for the development of the country.
Keeping in mind how HRDF operates – which is based on levies paid by the private sector, and where employees need employers’ permission to embark on courses – there is a need to reassess how education and training are provided to the working community.
Education has to be seen from a dimension of social security and national security, and cannot be merely dependent on employers or the private sector.
Since the courses are available to all Malaysians, it is time the government plays a crucial role towards HRDF by ensuring it has the finances to bring education directly to people in the long term.
It should not end on February 5, 2022 but should be continued. This would require the government to restructure and invest in HRDF to bring education directly to the workforce.
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that the Malaysian workforce can no longer depend on employers’ goodwill to stay employed or be sent for training during difficult times.
Education should be a component of social and national security that should serve the common good, and which should not be narrowed down to employers alone. Direct education is key to workers empowerment in the current and future context of the country. – The Vibes, February 12, 2021
Ronald Benjamin is the secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue (Acid)
