Nansian: Job seekers should grab opportunities available for experience

Written by The Star Friday, 10 June 2011 00:00

KUCHING: Job seekers must not be too picky, but should use whatever opportunities available given by employers in order to gain experience, knowledge and improve their skills.

Environment and Public Health Assistant Minister Datuk Peter Nansian said this was important to prevent jobs from being given to foreigners.

“Local job seekers must be able to compete and rise up to the challenges. They should not just stick to jobs which are relevant to their field of studies.

“Take the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that are outside your field of studies — but are necessary for job advancement,” he said at Talent Development Clinic for Sarawak Zone’s Community Colleges here yesterday.

Under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), Nansian said the man-power needs would increase by 1.6% per annum to 13.33mil by 2015 compared to 12.21mil last year.

“A total of 1.16mil job opportunities will be created where the unemployment rate will be decreased by 3.5% in 2015 compared to 4.1% last year,” he said.

He added that it was important for job seekers to increase their job knowledge and skills in order for them to be more innovative and creative.

“This will help improve productivity, which is in line with the government’s effort to create a high income nation,” he said.

He said the government, through the Human Resource Ministry had taken various approaches to help job seekers by setting up of 22 Job Malaysia centres nationwide.

“Through these centres, it has become a match making be- tween the job seekers and the employers which provides a win-win situation for both parties,” he said.