Gaining new skills to stay competitive

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

Malaysian professionals like Alvinder Singh, Mohamad Amirul Asyraf, and Lee Jun Yen are actively pursuing additional training and education to enhance their skills amid rapid technological changes and shifting workplace demands. Their efforts highlight a growing emphasis on lifelong learning as essential for career security and adapting to future job market challenges despite time and financial constraints.

As technological advancements and evolving workplace demands reshape the job market, Malaysians are increasingly seeking new skills and further education to maintain their competitiveness. Professionals across various fields are investing time and resources to strengthen their expertise and prepare for future opportunities.

Alvinder Singh Sobinder Singh, a 31-year-old learning and development specialist from Selayang, has spent the past three years focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) training. Rather than merely mastering the latest AI tools, Alvinder emphasizes understanding core concepts such as prompting and context engineering, which he believes will retain relevance over time. Working in human resources, he has also taken courses that integrate AI with areas like talent management and employee development.

Initially concerned that AI might threaten his job security, Alvinder’s perspective shifted to viewing AI as a means to enhance his value in the workplace. “More than simply protecting my own career, I want to help more Malaysians understand that AI is not just about using it to write something, but about how to solve problems differently,” he said. While his employer offers relevant learning platforms, Alvinder noted that balancing course demands with personal and family time remains a challenge.

In a related example, 33-year-old associate engineer Mohamad Amirul Asyraf has pursued training in AutoCAD, a software tool widely used for creating precise 2D and 3D engineering designs. He views gaining proficiency in this software as essential both for his current role and for enhancing his future employability. The online course, costing RM79, requires about an hour per session, which Mohamad aims to complete mostly on weekends due to competing family and work responsibilities.

Similarly, Lee Jun Yen, a 27-year-old senior human resources executive from Cheras, is undertaking a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management to broaden his expertise. Lee is focused on gaining academic knowledge to complement his practical experience, particularly in areas of HR where he has had limited hands-on exposure. He highlighted that continuous professional development is critical to adapting to changes brought by technology and evolving workforce expectations. Lee attends classes biweekly on weekends and has financed his studies through a PTPTN loan, viewing it as an investment in his career despite concerns about future repayment.

These cases illustrate a broader trend among Malaysian workers who are actively upskilling to navigate a dynamic employment landscape. While challenges such as balancing learning with work and personal commitments persist, the commitment to lifelong learning remains strong as individuals strive to stay competitive in an increasingly complex job market.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.