NST BUSINESS
KUALA LUMPUR: The Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing Movement Control Order (MCO) have seen more corporations turning to digital means of empowering employees with new skills.
This has seen the long niche digital training industry begin to flourish with e-learning providers such as Sunago Education Sdn Bhd witnessing strong business growth since the MCO started on March 18.
"People are adapting to the new norm of working online," said Shereen Chee, chief operating officer of Sunago Education.
"Malaysians are eager to use their free time to improve their English language to upskill and contribute better to the business. We've seen a 65 per cent increase in trainee engagement since the start of the MCO," she added.
Sunago combines digitisation and the human touch to create a personalised learning
experience.
Chee said participants undergo modules tailored to their needs with TEFL-certified
trainers.
The modules are put together in a unique composition of Face-to-Face online lessons, weekly online assignments and interactive assignments, using materials from the world's largest education publisher, Pearson.
"Employers are also taking this downtime to engage their team with training. After the MCO was announced, companies like Padini and Bakels (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd took the opportunity to enhance their staffs' English skills through Sunago Education.
"Participants from clients' including Sephora are completing the training more efficiently
during this MCO period. What used to be a 12-week course can now be completed within four to
six weeks."
Sunago is one of the first online English Language training providers to register under the
Human Resources Development Fund's (HRDF) SBL-Khas Scheme, which allows
employers to train their staff and claim the training with HRDF funds.
Chee said now is a great time for employers to take advantage of the scheme and equip their team with enhanced English skills, so they can hit the ground running once the Covid-19 slump is over.
HRDF has also been a substantial client of Sunago, utilising the tools for internal
training since 2019.
Muhammad Adzrean Abdul Wahab, head of talent management at HRDF, shared the
importance of English training to the organisation.
"As an agency under the purview of the government, HRDF serves a wide range of
stakeholders to develop the current and future workforce. A good grasp of English is a commodity for professionals," he said.
Azdrean said between 2017 and 2018, about 10 per cent of HDRF's staff enrolling in IELTS examinations could use extra polishing on their English skills.
"E-learning gives them the flexibility to learn at their own pace. With Sunago's
unique learning modules, our participants are able to improve their proficiency with ease."
According to HRDF, the MCO has had a positive impact on their e-learning solutions.
"People are more comfortable at home and thus able to focus better on the training. The face-to-face component of Sunago's lessons provides two-way communication, enhancing the learning experience for our participants," Azdrean said.