Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has forged a partnership with global online learning platform, Coursera, to introduce ‘Let’s Learn Digital’ under the #mydigitalworkforce initiative.
The Vice President of MDEC, digital talent development division, stated that the objective of #mydigitalworkforce initiative was to enable the workforce to adapt themselves after the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, in line with the organisation’s role of spearheading the digital economy to a higher level through improvement in digital skills of the people.
She said through the campaign, MDEC was encouraging the concept of lifelong learning via e-learning approach under its three main pillars, namely digitally skilling Malaysians, digitally powering businesses and attracting digital investments.
In a statement, the VP noted that MDEC is focusing on the future of the local workforce and understand that the economy that is set to recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic is one that is reliant on digitalisation.
To this end, MDEC has implemented proactive actions in preparing opportunities for the people who are interested in increasing their digital skills, and this programme has also received the cooperation from well-known global industry players which were successful in their respective programmes previously.
Besides that, through Coursera Workforce Recovery initiative, a total of 3,800 courses are provided through applications managed by the teaching staff from universities and renowned industry players.
Participants also have the opportunity to receive a Professional Training Certificate involved in sectors and fields that are in high demand. The access is offered without limits till Dec 31, 2020, she said.
Among the courses offered are Google IT Automation with Python, SAS Programmer, and Intel Introduction to Deep Learning, as well as career paths that can be accessed by students such as data analyst, cloud architect and software developer.
Meanwhile, the Chief Enterprise Officer at Coursera stated that the objective of the cooperation was also to provide workers access to digital skills courses that are in high demand and subsequently support them in a swift return to the workforce and new careers.
Upskilling workforce is key to boosting the digital economy
Across the APAC region, there is a growing demand for digital and tech workforce. In December 2019, MDEC announced a collaboration with a private education organization will establish operations in Kuala Lumpur, it’s second in Southeast Asia.
The signing event was officiated by Minister of Communications and Multimedia, who highlighted that the government would share the responsibility of the growth of the economy with industry players and the public.
The arrival of General Assembly to Malaysia, the newest initiative for this country’s talent development efforts, has been lauded.
The hope is that, eventually, Malaysia’s digital and tech professionals will be able to grow and become the very best within the global digital industry.
The institute will provide customised training for life-long learning in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy; specifically, for Malaysia’s digital and tech talents.
This includes offering critical and in-demand upskilling content and processes that match current and next-gen digital capabilities; introducing radical reskilling for those who need to pick up new digital roles; and creating a new talent pipeline that operates as an on-demand service.
All three are the core focuses for the institute as it aims to transform careers by augmenting them with in-demand specialised skills.
The training can be provided through a series of classes, hands-on immersion workshops, or customised development. Ultimately, this talent development platform wants to help businesses develop progressive yet sustainable pipelines for the digital and technology sector.
The CEO of MDEC stated that a digital-savvy talent pool will help propel Malaysian companies to the regional and global stage. This essential upskilling opportunity will also firmly establish Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.
