Employers may need to adapt to a new generation of “digital natives”, said Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad during the launch of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Career Fair 2023 yesterday.
The permanent secretary said that this generation of students and jobseekers are “digital natives, immersed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape that has become a cornerstone of our modern world”.
“Employers may need to adapt their practices and create workplaces that cater to the aspirations and needs of this new generation,” said Dr Haji Azman.
“This includes embracing flexible work arrangements and providing opportunities for continuous learning, as well as personal and professional growth.
“Mentorship programmes and support systems should be established to guide and empower these young talents as they navigate their professional journeys,” he added.
The permanent secretary noted that the ministry had recently launched their Digital Transformation Plan 2023-2027, aimed to ensure stakeholders in education are ready for a world where the “cyber-physical ecosystem will be more prevalent”.
The permanent secretary noted that to realise Brunei Vision 2035, there must be commitment from stakeholders to provide a platform, opportunities and support to ensure the active participation of youth in building a thriving and resilient future workforce.
Dr Haji Azman said the three-day UBD Career Fair 2023 offers 472 job vacancies across 54 participating exhibitors, including 44 from the private sector.
“This diversity offers an array of opportunities for the students and jobseekers to explore and find their ideal career path,” he added.
The permanent secretary said UBD had curated a range of career development resources, such as resume reviews and career counselling sessions.
He encouraged students, graduates and jobseekers to maximise the opportunities available, and eventually focus on honing their soft skills, expanding their portfolio, and establishing a compelling online presence.
“Enhance your digital literacy, stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and sought-after skills,” he said.
The UBD Career Fair 2023 is open to the public and will end tomorrow at 4.30pm. – Rokiah Mahmud
