KUALA LUMPUR: Workers need to equip themselves with innovation and creativity to help build a skilled workforce, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said there was a need to enhance workforce skills to maintain the country's competitiveness and regain its former status as the "Tiger of Asia".
"When we become skilled individuals, we should not only focus on working but also on increasing innovation and creativity.
"This is why we need skilled workers who are knowledgeable, creative and innovative, (we need) workers who can find solutions and address problems we face, including issues related to work systems and so on.
"We do not have many people who want to work in 3D or dirty, dangerous, and difficult jobs, especially in areas like waste management.
"However, to ensure our country remains clean and safe, and for the wellbeing of our citizens, we must be involved in these critical areas," he said.
He said this in his speech at the Malaysian skills certificates convocation ceremony for Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) staff here, today.
Also present were IWK chairman Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, chief executive officer M Narendran and the ministry's deputy director-general Datuk Mohd Rodzwan Mohd Baba Sakri.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said IWK as a technical body had implemented this upskilling programme and expressed hope that other sectors would continually seek ways to stay ahead.
"IWK has received recognition both nationally and internationally. While this is an acknowledgement, we should not feel comfortable or satisfied with our achievements.
"Once we receive recognition, we must continue to stay ahead. To do this, we need to keep enhancing our skills and knowledge and remain innovative and forward-thinking.
"Imagine, from a professional perspective, that if we do not enhance our skills, our mistakes could compromise safety.
"It could lead to accidents or disasters that could harm the wellbeing of the entire community, which would tarnish our country's reputation," he said.