THE younger generation is opting for more ‘exciting’ careers such as becoming influencers, bloggers, TikTokers, YouTubers, and gamers after they have completed secondary education.
Meanwhile, several institutes of higher learning are doing their best to change the mindsets of these students, give them a better overview of the available courses, and provide them with better career options.
INTI International College Penang chief executive M. Hemalatha said it became the current trend now among students, probably because of their family financial background.
“During our time, probably due to our (financial) background, we need to work and have a good profession so that we can improve our financial status.
“But now, our kids are experiencing a better and comfortable status, hence, they do not have the ‘urgency’ to do something more serious,” she said during the MICCI Northern’s Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2022 at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today. The theme of the dialogue was ‘Sustaining Penang’s Competitiveness’.
Hemalatha spoke about the college’s initiative in promoting STEM initiatives among students.
“When we hold career talks or promotional talks, we do not just organise it to fish for students. We have a good intention to give the students a better overview of the available courses.
“We encourage the students to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a potential career. To a certain extent, we succeeded in changing the minds of some students,” she said.
Dialogue moderator Murali Ram concurred with Hemalatha on the matter.
“This is so true. So many of my friends told me that their children are no longer interested to carry on and wanted to become influencers, TikTok producers, YouTubers, and gamers.
“Speaking about gaming, we have eSports now where people can sit at the comfort of their couch and become ‘athletes’. And all these are being fuelled by technology,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said the hotel industry was recovering.
“Penang’s tourism is doing very well. The hotel industry is recovering and that is a good sign.
“The hotel occupancy rate (quarterly) is seeing an uptrend. The tourism industry still has a lot of potential,” he said.
Goh also stressed the need for human capital development.
Others who took part in the dialogue include Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, PwC Malaysia assurance partner and transformation leader Lim Huck Khiam, and Intel Technology Data Centre and AI Group and GM Programmable Solutions Manufacturing Engineering vice-president K. K. Ruban.
Chow said there is a need for the stakeholders and the state government to collaborate and propel Penang further.
“I had a session with Telekom Malaysia Berhad today. In terms of infrastructure and fibre coverage, we are almost there.
“However, we are not there yet. The embracement is not there. Although according to Telekom Malaysia, Penang is one of the leading states.
“Come the time, we need to push ahead. Digitalisation is a game-changer, and we need to work together to propel Penang to the next level,” Chow said during the dialogue.
Chow said by embracing digitalisation, Penang and its people could improve liveability, elevate the standard of living, and improve productivity.
“Digitalisation is one of the important agendas for us to have a competitive edge over others,” he added.
Chow said that the various trade organisations and chambers are important stakeholders, and the Penang government engages them on a regular basis.
“The state remains committed to being the leader, enabler, and propeller by offering a competent platform for all industry players to thrive.
“We must all share a common goal if we want to move ahead,” he said.
Chow also commended the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) for organising the dialogue which enabled the captains and members of the industry to reinforce the shared vision of sustaining a competitive industrial ecosystem.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state executive council members Zairil Khir Johari, Dr Norlela Ariffin and Chong Eng, the Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and MICCI northern branch chairman Michel Van Crombrugge.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En