In an action that was decisive within his first week in office, Malaysia’s newly appointed Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has announced a comprehensive agenda with the intention of redefining the administration of the ministry and generating major change in the landscape of human capital in the country. The strengthening of welfare, the improvement of skills, and the overall increase in worker productivity are the focal points of his vision.
The drafting of the nation’s first Human Resources Policy is one of the decisions that Sim has made in order to get this transformative journey off the ground. When it comes to bolstering welfare, enhancing skills, and elevating the success of the workforce, these policies are going to be the cornerstone that guides the initiatives.
Sim emphasized the aims of the policies, which are to develop a labor market that is capable of addressing future issues. These challenges include advancements in digital technology, an ageing population, the push for a green economy, job mismatches, and the requirement for decent employment. According to what he said, “These efforts align with the framework of a civilized economy, highlighting the importance of addressing issues in the context of economic development.”
Following the introduction of the Progressive Salary White Paper in the parliament, he has also given the ministry the directive to carry out the pilot project for the Progressive Salary Policy. According to the New Straits Times, the purpose of this initiative, which was established in conjunction with the Ministry of Economy, is to ensure the effective implementation of the pilot project as well as other efforts to change the labor market in the country, which would ultimately allow workers to get pay that are more fair and dignified.
A further point to consider is that Sim has given HRD Corp the instruction to terminate the Skills Passport project after due review. Sim remarked, “Beginning from this point, the ministry will initiate strategic planning to optimize the functions and efficiency of each department and agency.” He cited a delay of one year and an evaluation of its suitability for implementation as the reasons for his statement.
