Embracing technology in the new normal a crucial aspect
Embracing technology in the new normal a crucial aspect
From pilot training to cabin crew training, Redbeat Academy has taken it a step further by offering reskilling and upskilling courses for those seeking to remain relevant in today's rapidly changing digital world.
The Covid-19 pandemic has altered the way people work, play, and lives, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution has emphasized the importance of the internet more than ever.
However, the issue that lies ahead is a talent shortage in the technology sector.
Demand for data scientists and information security analysts, cloud architects, database administrators, software developers, artificial intelligence specialists, and information technology managers are constantly increasing.
To meet this demand, numerous educational institutions, universities, and even corporate organizations are rapidly packaging programs in order to capitalize on this training trend.
One such organization is the AirAsia group, which is training a workforce through its training school, Redbeat Academy. Airasia Digital and Google Cloud have partnered to create Redbeat Academy.
Redbeat Academy
Redbeat received over 1,200 applications for its reskilling programs from within the group during the MCO 1.0 (movement control order).
“Malaysia requires talent with abilities, not just credentials. We require it immediately," Dr Ram Gopal, Redbeat Academy's director of strategy and innovation, told StarBiz in an email interview.
Ram stated that the Redbeat Academy trains anyone, whether it is an employee of the AirAsia group, a corporate or a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), a government agency, a university or college, or the general public.
He believes the academy can help create over 100,000 talents in Malaysia, helping to close the country's talent gap in the technology sector. Ram explained that reskilling is rapidly becoming the only option for many individuals who have been rendered ineffective by changes in the work landscape.
“Even prior to the pandemic, we saw a rapid increase in demand for technology-related jobs and a steady decline in demand for more traditional roles," he explained.
According to him, many organizations are already on the path to transformation, but there is still a significant gap to close within Asean, which can be addressed through reskilling.
Redbeat's mission is to empower, connect, and develop tech talent and to ensure that opportunities are accessible to all, particularly through mentorship and ensuring that the best breed of industry-ready professionals and tech problem solvers can overcome the most difficult obstacles.
“Redbeat Academy is the future of post-secondary education. We provide you with the tools necessary to succeed. Give us six months instead of four years of university," he claims.
Some courses are free, while others require payment, with prices starting at RM150 per course/session.
However, does this guarantee employment following completion of the courses?
He added that the academy was collaborating with WOBB Jobs to ensure graduates had the best possible chance of changing careers and securing tech employment. Additionally, it is collaborating with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on programs that offer micro credential badges.
Is there really value in reskilling?
“There is unquestionably value in retraining. The skills you acquire, their commercial utility, and the demand for the knowledge you possess.
“It is an investment, and the best kind is one in yourself and your future," Ram explained.
However, technology is frequently viewed as challenging and even intimidating by some, and it does instill fear in others.
“I have seen many students who believe they cannot do it because they lack a technical background and are currently pursuing tech careers such as cyber security, data analyst, and others," Ram explained.
It is no longer a question of who should do it; it has reached the point where it is necessary or risk being left out of a progressive workforce. Accepting technology can also create new opportunities for many.
Ram believes that everyone should stay current on technology and trends in order to stay ahead of the technology curve, as "redundancy affects not only individuals and occupations, but also organizations."
A critical mass of talent is required for the country to advance ahead of the technology curve.
“Malaysia's greatest impediment to fully developing the digital economy is human capital constraints," he said.
Citing portions of the World Bank report, he stated, "Malaysia's education system has failed to adequately prepare graduates for the country's high-tech export industries, let alone the growing demands of the digital economy."
Beyond reskilling, he believes that consistent upskilling is the norm for anyone seeking to remain relevant.
“Because technology stacks change over time, upskilling is a career-long endeavor rather than a one-time event. One of the keys to success is to never stop learning, which is precisely what upskilling is."
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