Catherine's Corner: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Training is one of the most important things employers can offer to maintain a healthy labour pool. A recent World Economic Forum report found that while job numbers are projected to grow by 2030, the skills difference between growing and declining roles may worsen the existing skills gap. As a result, there needs to be significant upskilling and reskilling, with 63% of employers identifying them as a major issue through the end of this decade.

As AI becomes increasingly ubiquitous, many workers are seeking out upskilling opportunities to stay relevant in the job market. Training also allows sectors with a talent shortage to expand their labour pool, essentially building their own workforces. This Labour Day, we look at companies from Gobi’s portfolio that have built robust educational, training, and upskilling programmes for the jobs of tomorrow.

AI: Keeping Workers Relevant in a Transforming Job Market

According to the WEF, 86% of employers expect AI to have a “transformative” impact on their businesses by 2030. Skills for AI-exposed jobs are changing 66% faster than those for other jobs, underscoring the importance of training and upskilling. This doesn’t just keep people relevant to the job market. It can also benefit them financially, with workers who have AI skills getting a 56% wage premium, up from 25% last year.

Based in Hong Kong, Preface emphasises the importance of AI training for people of all ages and backgrounds. Its programmes range from ones that teach primary school children tech fluency to classes on AI strategy for executives. Thailand-based recruitment agency GetLinks is focused on bridging skills gaps in the technology industry. The company recently acquired Hong Kong EdTech firm Xccelerate to offer programmes in AI, big data analytics, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, and other areas.

Auto Maintenance: Building the Next Generation of Mechanics

Malaysia’s motor repair industry is struggling to attract younger workers, resulting in a shortage of mechanics. This means longer wait times and higher prices for motorists, and risks an increase in rushed repairs. Malaysia-based automotive e-commerce platform Carsome launched Carsome Academy in 2021 to address this talent shortage. Accredited by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, Carsome Academy prepares students for careers in motor repair. Course fees are refundable once a student starts working with Carsome, helping the company build a capable workforce. Another Malaysian startup, roadside assistance provider Bateriku, founded Akademi Bateriku to provide training in hybrid electric vehicles and other automotive services.

Eldercare: Training Workers for an Ageing Asia

Ageing populations throughout the world are driving demand for healthcare jobs, including nursing. By 2050, one in four people in the Asia Pacific region will be over 60 years old. Family members often provide caregiving roles for elderly relatives, with a BCG survey finding that people who balance jobs with care duties make up 60% of the workforce in Asia Pacific countries. The majority, or 80%, rely on paid assistance to work. But there are limited paid caregivers in many markets. Malaysia has set a target to grow the number of trained care workers from 43,000 to 50,000 by 2030, as its elderly population exceeds 3.9 million. Malaysia’s Care Concierge operates Care Concierge Academy to provide training. Some programmes result in a certification jointly awarded by the startup and the Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD) at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).

Childcare: Expanding Access to Qualified Carers

Caregiving for children is also facing a talent shortage as family structures change and more parents rely on paid carers instead of family members. The lack of carers doesn’t just affect families with kids. The International Labour Organisation found that childcare accessibility is a gender equality issue, with mothers of young children often forced to exit the workforce because they lack care options. Malaysian startup Kiddocare matches parents with babysitters called “Kiddocarers” and provides experiential training focused on different age groups and children with special needs.