I HAVE recently come across various reports highlighting the Education Ministry’s plan to enhance the local education system prior to the arrival of the New Year

The reports provided concise overviews of how much the ministry wished to go into the National Education Blueprint 2006-2010. The main point that caught my attention was their mission to create human capital suitable for a future workforce.

Due to the longstanding system implemented in government institutes of education, youngsters are consistently taught the ropes of hard skills, encompassing of technical and administrative knowledge.

The ministry commented that it will now embark on educational programmes that would include curriculum and co-curricular activities that will instil knowledge, skills, cultural elements and belief to help develop an all-rounder pupil. This means that there is now room for soft skills training.

In this global community, the skill sets of a job candidate is increasingly crucial as employers are now seeking for individuals who can deliver beyond what is promised on paper qualifications.

Impressive grades and other academic achievements no longer live up to the burgeoning need for the skills to communicate, lead and work in a team.

Demands and expectations across job industries are rapidly increasing.

We must help the youth in living up to the standards of today’s job market. Otherwise, they will be nothing but an added burden to our workforce.

ERNIE CHAN,

Petaling Jaya.

Source: The Star – January 8, 2008