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Malaysia's employment landscape is at a crucial juncture, grappling with significant unemployment issues and a digital skills deficit, notably among the economically vulnerable B40 youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified these challenges, spotlighting the critical need for enhanced digital literacy. According to the World Bank, the global economy necessitates the creation of 600 million new jobs over the next decade. In 2021, despite a peak unemployment rate of 5.3% the previous year, the number increased and the unemployment rate slightly improved to 4.1%. January 2023 saw the unemployment rate stabilize at 3.6%, and the labor force participation held steady at 69.8%, indicating some recovery, however, requires a need for ongoing strategic development to create a resilient, future-ready workforce.
The approach for empowering 72 of Malaysia's B40 communities through the collaboration between Mereka and the Hong Leong Foundation centers on a comprehensive digital literacy and entrepreneurship initiative. This partnership is characterized by its dynamic, three-phase program that blends e-learning modules, real-world virtual project placements, and in-depth skill assessments. By focusing on critical digital and entrepreneurial skills, the program ensures participants are well-prepared to engage in the digital economy. This methodical strategy underlines the commitment to use innovation and technology for meaningful workforce development.
Program Highlights include:
Strategic Goals Achieved
Youth Empowerment:
Gig Employment Opportunities:
SME Collaboration:
Sustainable Economic Growth:
Success Metrics: Insights from the Programme
I have enjoyed what I have learned during my Project Placement. As the mentor herself is a freelancer too, her experience sharing was very beneficial to me. I do feel ready to put all the knowledge I accumulated into practice, and at the same time, I do feel like there is more that I can still learn.
Melanie Liew
Before the program, I was switching between different industries and doing odd freelancing jobs. None of these opportunities allowed me to connect my passion with my work. I had a valuable Placement experience where my dedicated supervisor at the startup helped me push my creative limits in doing what I'm passionate about. Thanks to FOW and my supervisor, I now have more confidence in pursuing the life I love.
Chew Han Hoong
Previously I was unemployed when I joined the Future of Work programme by Mereka. Through Project Placement and Office Hours sessions, I gained the confidence to try freelancing or find a part-time job. I finally landed a full-time job as a Graphic Designer in September 2023. As for my future plan, I want to finish my UX design course in Coursera sponsored through Mereka’s partnership with Google Gemilang.
Farah Rafiqa
The team did very well in communication, arrangement and allocate the suitable talents to match our needs. They are also very thoughtful and constantly improving the process and keeping everyone in the loop. Overall, we appreciate what Mereka is doing. They have been a great help!
Vivy Khoo
Definitely a great way to explore talents as working with freelancers is always a challenge, especially giving them the freedom and trust to submit deliverables without enforced working hours.
Nicholas Chong
Love the idea of the placement especially when it allows both parties to have knowledge transfer and a conducive environment to be free for the talents especially to express their creativities.
Mohalila Jubli
