Videos

The world is now at a crossroads, and there are four major challenges that Asia is facing. What should we do to overcome them?

I shared that Malaysia now stands at a pivotal moment in the E&E sector, especially the semiconductor industry. With more proactive actions from both the private and public sectors, we must do more than merely being an outsourced manufacturing hub for foreign investments; we must become leaders in innovation, develop our own technologies, and secure an indispensable position in the global supply chain.

Malaysia needs to rebuild its economy based on technology and innovation, and SIRIM plays a crucial role in efforts to achieve the country’s second economic take-off.

The way our youths can make a difference ✨

Malaysia experienced its first economic takeoff between 1988 and 1997. However, Malaysia has fallen into the “middle income trap” for the past 25 years as a result of our low wage, low skill, low productivity and low growth vicious cycle. Malaysia now has an opportunity to achieve its second takeoff. Let me share with you how.

Asian economies must stop competing through tax cuts and low wages, or receive investments that harm the environment. Instead, we should invest in care economy to create sustainable, high skilled jobs and support the ageing population. By investing in care economy and education, Asia can build a resilient economy and provide jobs that are less vulnerable to the impacts of AI.

In this speech, I proposed three key mindset shifts that are crucial in achieving Malaysia’s second takeoff.

In my book “Second Takeoff: Strategies for Malaysia’s Economic Resurgence”, I wrote about Malaysia’s first economic takeoff and how we can ride on the current global developments to achieve our second takeoff.

My message for young people: ° Be brave, don’t be cynical. ° Keep on learning new things. ° Ideas matter ° Make friends, grow with your comrades in arms for causes larger than oneself

In the 1970s, massive training was provided to get workers that we needed during the industrial boom. We should do the same now.

The government should help our industry to Techup, not supply them with cheap labour.