JOHOR BAHRU, May 6 – Universities play a critical role in making the Green Economy agenda a successful by providing the quality and dynamic workforce to support this new policy.
The Director of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Campus Sustainability, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd. Fadhil Md. Din said that the institution of higher learning has taken several steps to ensure that the graduates produced have the skills and knowledge needed for the Green Economy sector.
“These included the integration of Green Skills in the curriculum, industrial training opportunities, problem-based projects, Co-curricular activities and exposure to Industry,” he said.
He was saying this in the Panel Discussion Session titled ‘Future Ready Talent: Aligning Education with AI and Green Economy Demands’ organized by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (Talent Corp) at Thistle Hotel, Johor Bahru.
Also joining the panel is The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Xpress Train, Edwin Loh and moderated by Lead IPTS Engagement Graduate & Emerging Talent, Mohamed Azlan Mohamad Nasrun.
Prof. Fadhil also added that co-curricular activities can also play an important role in shaping a holistic graduate who are ready for the Green Economy.
“Co-curricular improvements include environmental volunteering programs, sustainability-related clubs and associations, sustainable community projects, entrepreneurship programs as well as soft skills workshops and training,” he said.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings challenges and opportunities to the working world including in the Green Economy sector. Among the benefits of the presence of AI are the automation of routine tasks, new skills requirements, changes in the nature of work and AI ethics and governance.
However, AI also offers several great opportunities in the Green Economy sector such as efficient environmental data analysis, energy system optimization, environmental monitoring and sustainable materials development.
“As a conclusion, it is very essential for us to change the present system to ensure the success of the Green Economy employment sector in the future. These changes need to take places at various levels in the education system such as changes in policies and regulations, changes in industrial practices, changes in community thinking and also adaptation to new technologies.
“The success of the Green Economy in Malaysia depends on our ability to innovate, collaborate and adapt to change. With joint efforts from the government, industry, academia and society, we can ensure that Malaysia not only achieves its sustainability goals but also creates quality job opportunities and builds a greener and more prosperous future,” said Prof. Fadhil.
