Nation's human capital in crisis, urgent action needed, says academician

20 Jun 2023 09:58am

Noor Azlan (inset image), nearly all statistics and reports, both domestic and international, indicate Malaysia's weaknesses in the context of education. - Pix for illustrative purposes

SHAH ALAM - The government needs to be prompt in prioritising crucial and comprehensive measures to boost the nation's human capital, which Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)’s Malaysian Inclusivity, Development and Advancement Institute (Minda-UKM) Director says is in crisis.

Professor Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali said warnings by experts should be taken seriously.

Noor Azlan said nearly all statistics and reports, both domestic and international, indicate Malaysia's weaknesses in education, however, there is still lack of substantial action.

“I have these reports. They are public reports, not confidential or reported in the media. They should not be allowed to persist and even more so if they are denied," he said.

Previously, the Secretary of the Education and Human Capital Development Cluster, National Professor Council, Dr Anuar Ahmad said relevant parties should not deny that Malaysia is facing crisis in the national education system.

Anuar clearly pointed out it is a fact that needs to be acknowledged when the national education system fails to build a high-capacity human capital structure.

Meanwhile, Noor Azlan said Anuar's views are based on knowledge.

"Our aspiration to see the country progress, be competitive, and become a high-income nation greatly relies on the quality of our human resources," he added.

"The Minister of Economy often emphasises the need for the country to implement economic restructuring towards a high-value economy. He is also actively working to increase the income of the people through the People's Income Initiative (IPR)," said Noor Azlan.