The government needs to consider policies to address issues that could derail business continuity, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and how they provide services to the customers during this difficult period of COVID-19.
This can be achieved by leveraging digital transformation, of which Microsoft (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is keen to cooperate with the government, Sunny Park, assistant general counsel and APAC regional director, corporate, external and legal affairs Microsoft ASEAN, said.
But she said first, there should be a mindset shift -- a cultural transformation that needs to take place among the SMEs in parallel with digital transformation.
"The pandemic COVID-19 has given us a wake up call. We have been talking about digital transformation for many years now, and in fact, the fourth industrial revolution was the theme that came out in the 2016 Davos meeting. However, the adoption is still less than ideal.
"So now, the Malaysian government needs to consider how they want to deliver the citizens services in a different way digitally, and to develop resiliency. This will require digital workforce and skilled civil servants which will be critical in adopting the technology," she said in a policy webinar titled "Rebuilding the Economy with Enabling Policies" yesterday.
Park noted that part of the recent stimulus package announced by the government should have a policy for businesses, mainly the SMEs.
She opined that the subsidy provided for the country's backbone was not enough. But what is needed is to rescale and upscale these companies for them to truly embrace the digital technology for their businesses going forward (differently).
"The same technology that Microsoft used to get our operation going is available for even the smallest company. So, I think it is important to realise that they too can harness the power of technology and it is available to all," she said.
In addition, she said there is a need for a policy that will provide inclusiveness, making sure that there is inclusivity in the healthcare, education and the financial sectors.
"Public and private partnership is more important than ever, and we are here to work with the government to ensure that the government going forward will be more resilient, and ensure continuity either during pandemic or natural disaster.
"Digital transformation is non-negotiable at this point. How quickly the government shapes the policy to embrace the technology and use of data, as well as allow data to move freely could have a profound impact on its economic recovery and global leadership," she said.
John Low, co-managing partner SEA of Roland Berger, said Malaysia currently faces several challenges in developing its digital workforce.
He said lack of investment in digital industry, low pace of digital adoption (by enterprises), shortage of digitally skilled workforce, and mismatched of digital/critical skills demand and academic curriculum are the main challenges.
By 2025, 3.2 million workforce would be equipped with digital skills, he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed May 20 2020
Malaysia currently faces several challenges in developing its digital workforce.
Enakmen kawalan hiburan baharu, Kelantan yakin tidak bercanggah
Kerajaan Kelantan yakin proses penggubalan Enakmen Kawalan Hiburan baharu Kelantan yang akan dibentang pada sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) selepas ini tidak bercanggah dengan aturan sedia ada.
Misi teroka peluang ekonomi, tarik pelaburan baharu di WEF - PM
Delegasi Malaysia akan berkongsi dasar dan hala tuju negara di samping mempertegas pendirian negara dalam isu geopolitik serantau di hadapan pemimpin dunia.
JBPM Terengganu berdepan kesukaran padam kebakaran
JBPM Terengganu menghadapi kesukaran memadamkan kebakaran di Kampung Sungai Ikan Kuala Nerus yang melibatkan lebih 75% tapak pelupusan sampah
Polis jangka laporan baharu selepas berkas guru tahfiz
Polis Kelantan menjangkakan lebih banyak laporan polis berkenaan pencabulan di sebuah pusat tahfiz di Machang selepas penahanan seorang guru.
Polis Jerman rampas 4 kereta Bugatti Veyron edisi terhad yang dikaitkan dengan 1MDB
Kenderaan berkenaan dikatakan sebahagian daripada siri "Legenda" khas Bugatti Veyron, dengan hanya 18 daripada supercar tersebut dibina dalam enam spesifikasi.
Gempa kuat 6.5 skala Richter gegar Garut, impak dirasai hingga Jakarta
Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) Indonesia merekodkan gempa berkekuatan 6.5 skala Richter pada malam Sabtu.
EPL: Jika saya bercakap akan berlaku pergaduhan - Salah
Salah sangat tegang dengan Klopp ketika dia bersedia untuk masuk sebagai pemain gantian pada minit ke-79.
Rumah Najib boleh jadi penjara - Peguam
Rumah bekas Perdana Menteri itu boleh dijadikan sebagai penjara dan tempat tahanan untuk beliau seperti yang termaktub dalam undang-undang.
Kopi, kanvas seni Tyler Wong
Kopi ialah kanvas untuk Tyler Wong mempamerkan kemahiran dalam mencipta seni latte yang rumit namun indah.
Mayat tanpa identiti ditemukan terapung di Sungai Linggi
Mayat dipercayai seorang lelaki ditemukan terapung di kawasan Sungai Linggi berhampiran Pusat Dakwah Islamiah Paroi, di sini petang Sabtu.