SHAH ALAM, June 22 — Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes should be expanded to include professionals and mid-level managers affected by job losses due to economic shifts and technological disruption, said Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan.
He said workforce development initiatives should not only focus on lower-skilled workers but also support experienced professionals whose roles have been disrupted by changing industry needs, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
He also urged the state government to adopt a data-driven approach by collecting information on workers who have lost their jobs and using the data to match them with new investments and jobs in Selangor.
“Transformation through digitalisation does not only affect low-skill jobs, but also professionals and management-level workers,” Preakas said in his debate on Phase 2 of the Selangor Resilience Enhancement Package (SREP) at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today.
He called for a more efficient aid delivery process by reducing bureaucracy, so assistance can reach target groups more quickly.
Meanwhile, he said SREP, with a combined allocation of RM355.06 million under both phases, reflects the state’s commitment to protecting the people amid global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and rising living costs.
“Many have debated what needs to be done or not done, but the state government has taken an approach based on data, economic studies and expert views.
“Evidence-based policymaking is the best practice recommended by international organisations such as the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and the World Bank to ensure every ringgit, every dollar spent, delivers maximum impact to the people,” Preakas said.
