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As Malaysia grapples with challenges such as the shortage of local talent and economic uncertainties, the role of HR practitioners becomes increasingly critical. These challenges are compounded by the rapid pace of technological change, which demands a workforce equipped with advanced skills. In response, Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) outline ambitious goals to transform the nation into a regional technology hub. By identifying and nurturing technology and engineering talents, HR can align workforce development with these national initiatives. This strategic focus supports the country’s economic plans and ensures a robust, future-ready workforce capable of driving national growth. Aligning HR Strategies with National Initiatives HR practitioners must first understand the strategic goals of NIMP 2030 and NSS. The NIMP 2030 aims to enhance Malaysia’s industrial capabilities, focusing on advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Meanwhile, the NSS seeks to position Malaysia as a global leader in the semiconductor industry. HR’s role involves developing a workforce capable of meeting these technological demands, thereby aligning talent strategies with national goals. To achieve this alignment, HR departments should engage in continuous dialogue with government bodies, industry leaders, and educational institutions. This collaboration ensures that the skills being developed are relevant to the current and future needs of the industry. HR practitioners should also stay abreast of policy changes and industry trends to anticipate and respond to shifts in the labour market effectively. Addressing Challenges with Technologies Despite the strategic alignment, HR practitioners must address several challenges to develop a technology-driven workforce. One major challenge is the shortage of local talent with advanced technological skills. To overcome this, HR can implement targeted recruitment strategies that attract foreign talent while simultaneously investing in the development of local talent through educational programs and reskilling initiatives. While advanced HR analytics can do wonders, a phased approach to introducing new technologies can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and build confidence gradually. Implementing HR technologies such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) can help predict talent needs, identify skill gaps, and measure the effectiveness of training programmes, further improving efficiency in talent acquisition and development. Additionally, HR can leverage data analytics to gain insights into employee performance and engagement. These insights enable HR to design targeted interventions that enhance productivity and retention. By adopting a data-driven approach, HR can make informed decisions that align with the strategic objectives of NIMP 2030 and NSS. Fostering a Culture of Innovation Extravagant spending on technology would bear no fruit without an improved learning culture. One of the most significant developments in workplace learning today is the rise of affordable new learning resources. These include short instructional videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, as well as free massive open online courses (MOOCs) from universities and companies specializing in distance learning. Creating a culture of innovation within the organization is essential for sustaining technological growth. HR can foster this culture by promoting a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and experiment with new approaches. This involves establishing platforms for knowledge sharing and providing resources for innovation projects. The Crucial Role of HR in Driving National Growth As Malaysia progresses towards the goals outlined in NIMP 2030 and NSS, each party has a role to play in ensuring economic growth. Government bodies, industry leaders, educational institutions, and HR practitioners all contribute to this national endeavor. While the efforts of government and industry are often highlighted, the role of HR practitioners is pivotal yet frequently overlooked. By aligning HR strategies with national initiatives, identifying and nurturing talent, leveraging technology, fostering a culture of innovation, and addressing challenges, HR can significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth. HR must strive to create an environment where diverse talents can thrive. Through these efforts, it is possible to ensure that Malaysia is equipped with a robust, future-ready workforce capable of driving national growth and achieving global competitiveness. By recognizing and reinforcing the crucial role of HR, we can ensure a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to achieving the nation’s economic goals.

Transitioning to modern energy systems presents a daunting challenge, as virtually every facet of our daily lives hinges on energy. This journey is bound to be intricate and complex for every country. Thankfully, there is a resounding global consensus by governments worldwide – including Malaysia – that traditional energy systems are inherently vulnerable, disadvantageously centralised, and financially burdensome.   The transitional challenge that stakeholders and decision-makers have been grappling with is threefold: striking a balance between environmental sustainability, ensuring energy security, and delivering energy affordability.   Successfully navigating this “energy trilemma” demands interdisciplinary expertise, effective policy implementation, and unwavering stakeholder commitment if Malaysia is to become carbon neutral by 2050.   Accelerating Malaysia’s transition towards carbon neutrality and energy sustainability with the power of technology and innovation makes economic sense, and puts us on a path towards a better, greener future for generations to come.   As a technology leader, Huawei is steadfast in its determination to stand by the country’s aspirations in driving this transformative endeavour.   Renewable energy makes economic sense   The economic rationale for renewable energy is compelling. Jobs in the sector are on the rise. The surge in demand for talent in the renewable energy sector mirrors the urgency to transition to cleaner sources amid the alarming effects of climate change.   According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), jobs in the renewable energy sector soared to 12.7 million globally in 2023, reflecting the sector’s rapid expansion and potential for sustainable employment.   The once-perceived barrier of high entry costs to adopt renewable energy technologies is steadily diminishing, heralding a significant shift in accessibility. Put simply, prices are plummeting.   On the other hand, finite fossil fuel source extraction has become more challenging and costs are steadily rising. In contrast, renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, are readily and abundantly available natural resources and more importantly, they are essentially free.   Solar panel prices are at an all-time low and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly cost-effective due to ongoing technological enhancements and intensified market competition.   The figures that are clocking in on Malaysia’s carbon footprint reads at approximately 272.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022. By 2023, Huawei facilitated the reduction of 1.81 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This was made possible by the entry of 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar inverters into the Malaysian market, generating approximately 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.   Huawei’s Digital Power Business contributed to 84.5 billion kWh of green power generation in the Asia Pacific region, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to the planting of 50 million trees.   Technology: The Key to Navigating the Trilemma   New technologies are the key to meaningfully navigating the “energy trilemma”, both to lower the carbon footprint of outmoded energy systems and to develop modern, sustainable alternatives.   The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) empowers us to decarbonise our energy systems by enhancing connectivity, intelligence, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.   Huawei Digital Power’s strategic approach to facilitate society’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon is anchored in the integration of cutting-edge digital technology (Bit), electronic power technology (Watt), thermal management technology (Heat), and energy storage systems (ESS) management technology (Battery).   Termed collectively as the “4T” technologies (WatT, HeaT, BatTery, and BiT) the aim is to drive Malaysia towards the “4D” trajectory: Decarbonisation, Digitalisation, Decentralisation, and Democratisation, thus shaping a more sustainable and inclusive energy landscape for the nation.   Huawei aims to drive watts with bits towards building a fully connected smart grid and bridging the energy divide to power the digital world.   Collaborations in decarbonisation   In pursuit of the “4D” trajectory, collaborations are fundamental. Guided by our strategic framework, Huawei has initiated numerous collaborations with local stakeholders and government agencies on renewable energy projects. We are partnering with AmBank on financing and merchant business solutions to support and facilitate the introduction of Solar Energy, Green Data Centres, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging, and Energy Storage solutions to businesses. With Pantas, the leading climate-tech firm in Southeast Asia, we are collaborating on enterprise decarbonisation applications for businesses. Our focus in this partnership, as technology providers, will be on Smart PV+ESS and FusionCharge solutions while Pantas undertakes the role of strategic partner in business development.   We have also joined forces with Senheng and Apulsar to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Malaysia, utilising Huawei’s advanced EV chargers.   Additionally, our commitment to human capital development ensures a skilled workforce adept in renewable energy technologies. Our Huawei ICT Academy bridges the gap between education and industry needs while collaborative training programmes like the one with the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (“CENTEXS”) on developing green talent as well as the Digital Leadership Excellence Programme with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to nurture talent leadership.   These initiatives are but some of the many projects Huawei is involved in. Every initiative represents a positive stride that strengthens energy security and nurtures a sustainable ecosystem for the nation.   Holistic approach to carbon neutrality goals Our holistic approach, combining advanced technology, industry partnerships, and education, has the potential to drive meaningful change and accelerate progress towards Malaysia’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. By embracing smart PV solutions, grid technologies, and energy storage systems, we can boost renewable energy production while ensuring fair access for all. By facilitating financing and investments into sustainable energy projects, we can make green technologies affordable for all segments of society. Just last month (April), the Government of Malaysia announced that it will establish an Energy Exchange Malaysia (“ENEGEM“) to facilitate cross-border sales of green electricity to neighbouring countries, namely Singapore and Thailand. This will promote growth in the industry and lead to the adoption of the latest green energy technologies to propel Malaysia into a regional hub for the development of RE experts and capabilities. In terms of talent cultivation, our training programmes and knowledge-sharing

In our relentless march of progress, we have adhered to a model of “take, make, dispose.” This linear path has led us to an unsustainable reality where the demand for virgin resources has spiralled out of control and waste piles up around us. But what if there was another way? Enter the circular economy—a vision of a world where resources are cherished, cycled, and used to their fullest potential.   At its heart, the circular economy revolutionises how we think about growth. It is not just about profits and productivity but about creating a system that benefits everyone—businesses, society, and the environment. This model challenges us to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, and regenerate our natural systems. By shifting away from a linear model, we can reduce the extraction of virgin resources, minimise waste generation, and create a more resilient ecosystem of materials. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, adopting a circular economy could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 22-44% by 2050, significantly mitigating climate change impacts. The World Economic Forum estimates that transitioning to a circular economy could generate $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, highlighting its immense potential for sustainable growth.   Principles and Benefits of the Circular Economy   This transformative approach to material use has profound implications. No longer do we rip resources from the earth only to discard them after a single use. Instead, we prioritise sustainable sourcing, opting for materials with minimal environmental impact. Products are designed for longevity, easy disassembly, and are crafted from recycled or renewable materials. When these products reach the end of their initial life, efficient systems are in place to collect, sort, and recycle them, giving materials new life through processes such as remanufacturing.   Embracing the circular economy catalyses both environmental and socio-economic transformation, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less pollution, and a lighter touch on our natural resources. This shift creates new economic opportunities such as recycling plants, repair workshops, and remanufacturing facilities. Moreover, resource security becomes a reality as reliance on finite sources diminishes in favour of a stable supply of recycled and renewable materials, fostering a resilient economy prepared for future challenges.   Collaborative Efforts in Driving Circular Economy   Adopting the circular economy model necessitates a paradigm shift where sustainability becomes the cornerstone of innovation and development. Future designers, engineers, and innovators must embed sustainability into every facet of their work. This includes considering the entire lifecycle of products—from design to end-of-life disposal—ensuring materials are chosen not just for performance but also for their environmental impact and recyclability.   Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a pivotal role in this transformation to ensure that the circular economy becomes a tangible reality rather than just an ideal. HEIs should incorporate sustainability modules into their curricula with interdisciplinary programmes that integrate principles of the circular economy with engineering, design, business, and environmental science, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation.   For example, students should engage in hands-on professional practice projects that challenge them to create solutions for real-world sustainability issues with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills tailored to the circular economy. We can cultivate a generation of professionals who are both aware of the importance of sustainable practices and equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement them effectively.   Governments are recognising the need for a circular economy shift. In Malaysia, the National Circular Economy Council (NCEC) has agreed to legislative changes for nationwide solid waste management. This legislative push aims to create a comprehensive act covering the product lifecycle from production to post-consumer use   Once hailed as a miracle material, plastic of the linear economy has become one of humanity’s biggest blunders. With 91% of plastic waste never recycled, further polluting our oceans and landfills, this stark reality underscores the need for a shift towards bio-based materials.   Innovative concepts such as biomimicry and cradle-to-cradle (C2C) design are crucial in this transition. Biomimicry draws inspiration from natural systems and organisms to create efficient and resilient sustainable processes and products for human use. Meanwhile, cradle-to-cradle design considers the entire lifecycle of a product, ensuring it can be fully reclaimed or reused at the end of its life, unlike the traditional cradle-to-grave approach.   Public Awareness and Responsibility   Transitioning to a circular economy is not a walk in the park, it is a paradigm shift that demands a radical transformation in how we perceive and interact with resources. From the drawing board to the shopping cart, every stage must be reimagined with sustainability at its core. Businesses must embrace sustainable sourcing, opting for materials with minimal environmental impact from responsibly managed sources, while governments must incentivise and support these practices through legislation and infrastructure development. Offices can implement recycling programmes, reduce paper usage, and opt for sustainable office supplies. Even small hawker stalls can contribute by using biodegradable packaging and minimising food waste.   The success of this transformation requires igniting a spark of awareness and responsibility within the public consciousness. The public must be awakened to the reality that our current linear model is a ticking time bomb, depleting finite resources and choking our planet with waste. By understanding the urgency of the situation and embracing circular economy practices, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond our actions.   Dr Praveena Nair Sivasankaran who focuses on green and sustainable materials, emphasising eco-friendly solutions in engineering is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering, Faculty of Innovation & Technology, Taylor’s University.