Malaysia’s unemployment rate is now the highest in a decade, due to the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to ease their burden, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) is now working to revive the job market for youths.

MBM executive committee member Kavita Maheendran said, “MBM was finalizing discussions with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Bank Negara on organizing a webinar on securing jobs.”

“We are finalizing our collaboration programs and we have decided to hold a webinar to educate participants on the five key foundations in securing a job in the future.” The five key foundations are financial literacy, soft skills, lifelong learning mentality, adapting to the digital age, and entrepreneurship.

“Among the five, we believe soft skills and lifelong learning mentality are key driving elements that can distinguish one individual (in terms of employability) from another,” she said in a statement today.

Kavita said experts had highlighted insufficient skills, working experience, education, and even skill mismatch as among the contributing factors to youth unemployment.

“People who are willing to learn, believe that their basic qualities and abilities are things they can cultivate through efforts and persistence.

“Such a mindset will lead not only to a passion for learning and personal development, but also confidence and resilience.”

For instance, she said people have learned that work could be done from home.

“We all have adapted to this new norm and to be on top of the game, youths can learn something new so that their skills will be useful in future job applications.”

Kavita said as of now, MBM is offering Employability Skills Training (EST) for Malaysian youth in partnership with HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd.

“There are potential internship opportunities awaiting trainees who complete the full program.

“The training program includes soft skills training, resume writing, interview skills, career guidance, and digital entrepreneurship skills designed to elevate employability skills.”

The program is open to all Malaysians between the age of 19 to 26 years old, who are currently unemployed or working part-time.

Head on to MBM’s Facebook page if you’re interested to join this program. Seats are limited to 300 participants.