Malaysia Needs To Produce More Skilled Workers To Attract FDIs

Malaysia needs to produce more skilled workers in order to attract increased foreign direct investments (FDI), says German Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Guenter Georg Gruber.

He said Malaysia has the best conditions to lure investors with its central and strategic location in Asean but many investors still faced problems in sourcing skilled workers.

Perhaps here, the government can see this as a sign and opportunity to incorporate or otherwise build more direct specialized skill training institution in Malaysia.

"We are talking about lack of skilled workers at all levels such as operators and engineers, not only at the top level," he told reporters after calling on Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at his office here Monday.

The Grant Thornton International Business Report in April said 62 per cent of businesses in Malaysia found it hard to source skilled workers.

The survey also revealed that the shortage of specific or technical skills was the most significant factor for businesses in Vietnam at 86 per cent, followed by Philippines (76 per cent) and Malaysia (at 68 per cent). It looks like, we have to further plan how to increase our skilled workers to challenge our neighboring countries so we would not rely on sourcing from them.

However, Dr Guenter said Malaysia-Germany bilateral trade was growing from strength to strength and was expected to reach approximately 11 billion euros this year.

"German companies are still very delighted to invest here. Malaysia has the unique opportunities with the upcoming Asean economic community 2015 and Free Trade Agreement with the European Union," he said.

Germany is the fourth largest investor in Malaysia from the European Union.

Dr Guenter also said Penang had become the second most important investment location for German companies.

"I can assure you that many more German companies will look at Penang as their investment destination, particularly small-and-medium entrepreneurs," he said.

This can be taken also on the positive side, which based on this advise by foreign investors, we now have a clearer view on what we could improve more of. In this case is the skilled workers shortage. 

I suggests that the government will take a look on this matter more seriously as we would not want to rely on sourcing from other countries for skilled labors, and as well to stay competitive in the global market.

Brought to you by sabaheco: