Gen-Z Expectation from Their Work

By Rebecca Rajaendram, the Star, 4 September 2022

Gen-Z in Malaysia is generally defined as those born between 1997 and 2012. Given that the people born towards the start of this generation are now in their 20s. Many are beginning their entry into the workplace. 

Refer to the study entitled Laws of Attraction in 2020 by JobStreet Malaysia. It says that Gen-Z is concerned with:

• having a modern work environment emphasising personal development at the start of their working lives;
• placing environment issues as a top priority (Deloitte's 2021 Millenial and Gen-Z Survey); and
• drawn to being part of a cause that is bigger than themselves which means they wanted to contribute or being part of the cause.

Some of them had the beginning of their working lives and studies interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Alicia Ch'ng, Careers Advisory Service from the University of Nottingham (UNM) mentioned that universities and higher education institutions play a part in ensuring they are ready to join the workforce:

• Universities must work closely with industry when it comes to curriculum development to ensure the students' knowledge and learning experience both meet current industry requirements and consider the dynamic future of business and social development in the country; and
• Universities should prepare the graduates with the attitudes and skills that make them both global citizens and attractive to employers across a range of sectors to enable them to bring value to the employers they work with and bring innovation to their future work places.

Prof. Sarah Metcalfe, UNM Interim Provost and Chief Executive Officer in a press conference on 5 August 2022 stated that:

• She believes that a university should be an institution that nurtures the newest generation joining the workforce and being conscious that key motivating factors for Gen-Z are work-life balance, mentorship and professional development opportunities; and
• She advises graduates to have positive attitude and show initiative as the saying goes, "You only get out what you put in." Great places to work have both good leadership and the support of a cohesive team. 

Special thanks to the author of the news report (please click here for the original report online). I will translate the report into Bahasa Melayu for another section to help others who need help in capturing the current situation at the workplace and job market. 

Education in Malaysia

Children in Malaysia begin their education as early as at the age of four at pre-schools although this is not compulsory. Primary education starts when the child reaches the age of six on the first day of January of the current school year. Prior to 2015, only six years of primary education were compulsory but after 2015, the five years of secondary education were also made compulsory. The government provides free education for six years at primary level and five years at secondary level. At the end of the secondary education, students sit for a common public examination namely the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), equivalent to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in the United Kingdom (UK).

• Overview on Education in Malaysia
• History of Education System in Malaysia
• Educational issues
• Survey on Discrimination in Schools

Malaysian Education quagmire: Destruction of current and future human capital

THE intersection of the education system, the burgeoning gig economy and the brain drain may seriously challenge Malaysia’s future.

With a massive brain drain already in place, as more and more students choose to join the gig economy instead of pursuing tertiary education, understanding the factors driving this disinterest in tertiary education is paramount to ensuring that the educational system remains relevant and effective in preparing individuals for the rapidly evolving landscape of the modern job market.

In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting professional landscapes, the traditional pathways to success are undergoing a profound transformation.

The allure of flexible work arrangements, lucrative opportunities, autonomy, and on-demand work gaining momentum challenges the conventional notions of the value of higher education.

Armed with a tech-savvy mindset and an innate entrepreneurial spirit, the younger generation questions the age-old narrative that equates tertiary education with assured prosperity.

This shift in attitude raises critical questions about the potential consequences for the future workforce, economy, and societal development.

As per the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the enrolment figures in tertiary education serve as a measure of a nation’s prospective capacity for a skilled workforce in the future (refer to "Equipping future talents with education, skills to thrive").

Global data also shows that higher tertiary education enrolment correlates with better national outcomes over time (Figure 1).

Very well, there could be a reciprocal relationship, thus creating a vicious cycle!

However, Figure 2 illustrates Unesco's data concerning the trajectory of tertiary education enrolment proportions in Malaysia.

Read full article here.

Education is fundamental in shaping society and determining the country’s future.

It can be the root of many socio-economic issues, so innovations must be made to the system to keep education in line with the changing practices.

To do so, leadership with vision is needed. 

Dr Rais Hussin and Chan Myae San are part of the research team at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research.

Source: The Stars Online, 3 September 2023