Future jobs: How technology, sustainability reshape the workforce
16 Jul 2024
This transformation is creating new opportunities while potentially displacing some traditional roles
EMERGING job sectors like sustainable energy, smart infrastructure, data analytics and cyber security are reshaping the job market.
Roles such as new energy engineers, smart city architects, big data analysts, Internet of Things (IoT) experts and cyber security specialists are increasingly important, hence the need to upskill and reskill to bridge the gap between job requirements and current workforce skills.
Meanwhile, many young graduates face underemployment and skills mismatch. To tackle this, the government and industries are improving training programmes and educational curricula.
The government is pushing for technical and vocational education and training programmes, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects to meet the demand for tech professionals.
Dr Paul Anthony Mariadas, a senior lecturer from Taylor’s University’s School of Accounting and Finance said the future job market will be driven by several key trends.
“Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will transform job roles, significantly increasing the demand for tech skills,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
New Job Opportunities
This transformation is expected to reshape industries across the board, creating new opportunities while potentially displacing some traditional roles.
He also said remote and gig work would become more prevalent, supported by global talent pools.
This shift towards more flexible work arrangements (FWAs) is likely to change how companies operate and how individuals approach their careers.
Mariadas noted that sustainability and green jobs are also emerging, focusing on renewable energy (RE) and environmental protection.
This shift towards sustainability is expected to create new opportunities in various sectors, from energy production to urban planning and environmental management.
As the world grapples with climate change and resource scarcity, professionals with expertise in sustainable practices will be increasingly sought after.
Mariadas also emphasised on continuous learning and upskilling, with a focus on both tech and soft skills.
This adaptability will be essential for future job seekers to remain competitive in an ever-changing market.
The rapid pace of technological advancement means that skills can quickly become obsolete, making lifelong learning a necessity rather than an option.
Specifically, Mariadas said the healthcare and biotech sectors will expand due to ageing populations and telehealth advancements.
He also noted the growing importance of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in shaping inclusive workplaces, suggesting that professionals with skills in these areas will be in high demand.
Mariadas also discussed urban development and its impact on future job markets.
“Global supply chain management and smart city development will drive demand for experts in urban planning and sustainable infrastructure,” he said.
This trend reflects the ongoing urbanisation of the global population and the need for more efficient and sustainable cities.
On what are the most valuable skills for the future workforce, Mariadas gave a list that balanced technical and soft skills.
He said data analysis, AI, machine learning and cyber security will be highly valuable, while digital literacy in emerging technologies and digital marketing will be crucial.
Meanwhile, soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence and strong communication will be more valuable as AI and automation take over more routine tasks, leaving complex problem-solving and interpersonal interactions to human workers.
Mariadas also noted the dual nature of technological advancement — while it may displace some jobs, it also creates new opportunities in emerging fields.
He then mentioned that the increasing remote work trend will have far-reaching implications which would enable access to a global talent pool, fostering diversity and bringing specialised skills to organisations without geographical constraints.
Skill Development and Working Experience
This globalisation of the workforce could lead to increased competition but also opens up new opportunities for job seekers to find roles that match their skills and interests, regardless of their location.
Mariadas suggested young professionals focus on developing a versatile skill set that combines technical expertise with strong soft skills.
This balanced approach to skill development recognises the importance of both technical proficiency and the ability to work effectively with others.
He also pointed out the importance of gaining practical experience through internships, freelance projects or volunteering.
“Hands-on experience enhances your employability and showcases your capabilities to potential employers.
“This practical approach can help young professionals to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application of skills,” he said, adding that building a professional network and seeking mentors who can provide guidance are crucial.
He said these connections can provide valuable insights, opportunities and support throughout one’s career.
Additionally, Mariadas said there is a need for proactive adaptation and investment in education and training, as well as thoughtful policy frameworks to navigate these changes successfully.
Meanwhile, business law lecturer Dr Ridoan Karim said while AI is often perceived as a future technology, it is already deeply integrated in the present landscape. Ridoan, who is also deputy director of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Business at Monash University Malaysia, said this brings attention to the urgency for professionals to adapt to AI technologies across various sectors.
AI Not Replacement for Human Intelligence
He said AI’s capabilities are primarily focused on analysing information and performing predefined tasks, rather than replicating human-like intelligence.
“AI is an intelligent tool that can gather a lot of information, analyse it and present a summary of information,” he elaborated, demystifying AI and presenting it as a powerful tool rather than a replacement for human intelligence.
Ridoan also underlined the enduring importance of human skills in the job market for tasks related to creativity and empathy.
He said robots can only do what they are programmed to do, reflecting the limitations of AI.
While many jobs can be done remotely today, certain professions still require in-person interaction, such as healthcare.
Ridoan underlined the importance of human empathy of a nurse which cannot be replicated by an AI robot, regardless of how well it was programmed to do so.
Regarding job transitions, Ridoan drew parallels with past technological revolutions, saying it has been happening since the Industrial Revolution.
He noted that with every new technology, there are some transitions to new jobs but that did not push humans out of work.
This historical perspective provides reassurance that while roles may change, new opportunities will emerge.
This optimistic view suggests that AI-driven changes in the job market could lead to more fulfilling and productive work for humans rather than widespread unemployment.
Ridoan warned that those unable to adapt to new technologies might face challenges in their careers regardless of their existing knowledge or experience.
He said for example, in academia, there are many highly regarded professors who are struggling at work just because they could not get used to today’s technologies.
However, Ridoan pointed out AI’s potential to exacerbate societal inequalities as only those who have the means to access AI will have better job and business opportunities hence, he said, the importance of ensuring equitable access to AI technologies and education.
On fields that job seekers should look out for, Ridoan stressed the continued importance of service industries.
He suggested that AI would augment rather than replace these professions, enhancing their capabilities and efficiency.
“Even with AI, we will seek the advice of a legal counsel, a doctor or an auditor,” he said, arguing that these professions would evolve to work alongside AI, leveraging its capabilities to provide enhanced services.
This illustrates the complex interplay between technological capabilities, regulatory frameworks and human skills in shaping the future job market.
Addressing the risks in the evolving job landscape, Ridoan pointed out the challenge of continuous training and professional development.
He said companies now have to spend a larger amount of capital for human training and professional developments.
However, Ridoan said large corporations are at an advantage in leveraging AI technologies. “Big companies can purchase the resources and easily adapt while smaller companies struggle,” he said.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Malaysia Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman highlighted the importance of embracing technological advancements and sustainability in today’s workforce.
He said the integration of technology, digitalisation and sustainability is driving significant growth in the future job market.
Businesses across various sectors are investing heavily in digital transformation initiatives, adopting sustainable practices and leveraging new technologies to innovate and maintain their competitive edge.
“Professionals skilled in new technologies, digital strategy, data analytics, sustainability practices and digital marketing are exceptionally well-positioned to seize these emerging job opportunities,” he told TMR.
Syed Hussain stressed the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation in the workforce as the current job market evolves rapidly due to technology.
“Industries are continuously disrupted by technologies such as AI and IoT, making it crucial for job seekers to stay abreast of these advancements,” he added.
Short-term courses and certifications, coupled with the accessibility of free online learning platforms, can quickly fill skill gaps and align with industry standards, encouraging all employees to seize these opportunities for skill enhancement.
Syed Hussain said technological progress has catalysed the emergence of entirely new sectors, for instance, the rapid growth of RE has spurred job creation in solar and wind power industries.
He pointed out the expansion of industries like e-commerce, leading to new roles in logistics, digital marketing and customer service.
“Professions such as data scientists, AI specialists, cyber security analysts and cloud computing experts were non-existent decades ago but now play indispensable roles in modern business landscapes.
“Technology enhances traditional jobs rather than replacing them, in healthcare, for example, it aids doctors in diagnosing and planning treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes,” he said.
Syed Hussain remarked on the transformative impact of remote work technologies, enabling FWA that enhance work-life balance.
“This has created new opportunities for flexible work setups, allowing individuals to work from anywhere and achieve a better balance between personal and professional lives,” he noted.
Based on findings from the MEF Survey on FWAs, 70.5% of employers have observed a rise in hybrid work models, with 60.7% expanding remote work opportunities, signalling notable changes in workplace dynamics.
Syed Hussain said these changes reflect broader trends in business adaptation and the leveraging of technological advancements, with continued shifts towards hybrid and remote work models that prioritise collaboration and team-building activities in office spaces.
Importance of Digital Skills
He also noted that digital skills are becoming essential for future job seekers, as technology continues to integrate into daily life and business operations.
Mastering skills like digital literacy, data analysis, communication and cyber security is crucial for individuals to thrive and enhance their employability in today’s job market.
On the relevance of the gig economy, Syed Hussain observed that its emergence has brought about significant changes in the traditional job market, offering both workers and employers increased flexibility and new opportunities.
He said technological advancements, particularly through digital platforms and mobile apps, have been instrumental in expanding the gig economy, making it easier for businesses to connect with on-demand talent.
“To retain talent, employers are increasingly adopting FWAs such as remote work, flexible hours and hybrid models that blend office-based and remote work environments,” he added.
The importance of effective government regulation in adapting to these technological and demographic shifts was also highlighted, with recent amendments to the Employment Act 1955 aimed at integrating FWAs.
These changes are designed to meet modern workforce expectations while ensuring compliance with updated regulatory standards.
Syed Hussain emphasised the growth of various upcoming job prospects, advising job seekers to focus on a variety of technology-related fields such as computer science, AI, machine learning, finance, health data analytics, digital marketing, game design, and environmental science and engineering.
The green economy is also gaining recognition as a critical sector for tackling global environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion.
As societies and industries increasingly prioritise sustainability and environmental stewardship, jobs within the green economy are anticipated to be highly sought-after.
Meanwhile, Syed Hussain said as technology integrates more into jobs, there is a delicate balance between supply and demand.
“With technology advancing quickly and more automation in businesses, there’s a growing need for digital professionals, but there are not enough skilled experts in digital fields, causing a job market gap which leads employers to offer competitive pay and higher wages to attract and keep qualified professionals,” he said.
This pressure means businesses must invest not only in technology but also in training programmes to build a strong talent pool.
There is also an urgent need for schools and industries to work together to develop digital skills in the workforce.
On the shifts in Malaysia’s job market, Syed Hussain underlined the profound impact of technology advancements, changes in societal norms, evolving demographics and dynamic regulatory changes. Furthermore, he highlighted the transformative effect of digital platforms and e-commerce on retail and marketing sectors, stressing the growing importance of roles in digital marketing, data analytics and cyber security while the rising demand for expertise in sustainability and green technologies reflects broader environmental priorities.
Syed Hussain echoed the importance of balancing soft skills and technical skills.
“Technical skills are important for specific job tasks, but strong soft skills like communication, teamwork and adaptability are what truly distinguish individuals in their career.
“Meanwhile, someone with strong soft skills but less technical expertise may struggle with tasks and contributing to projects, and employers nowadays value candidates who have a good mix of technical knowledge and strong soft skills,” he said.
This balance helps individuals advance in their careers but also boosts organisational success by encouraging innovation, creativity and resilience.
He also advised future job seekers to maintain a positive attitude towards tasks, prioritise skills that support long-term career development in a changing job market and stay updated with technological advancements crucial for maintaining competitiveness and employability.
Source: The Malaysian Reserve
