LETTER: The ever-changing circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic have brought organisations to adjust their operations rapidly. Innovation has emerged as a crucial element in technological transformation for the success and survival of organisations.
Brick and mortar businesses are now required to embrace the digital economy. The new wave of Covid-19 cases and further restrictions could lead to many firms to shut down.
As revenue drops to an unprecedented level, manufacturing companies turn to lean operations, move their business online, and focus on upskilling and training to remain relevant and globally competitive.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, there are opportunities, especially now that we are in the digital era. New technologies and business models have contributed to new developments.
Product quality and customer experience could be enhanced through implementing Industrial Revolution 4.0 technologies, such as additive manufacturing, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robots and the Internet of Things.
Education has also moved online. Face-to-face is no longer the only mode of delivery. Schoolchildren are supplied with e-Books to assist their learning. Universities apply multiple platforms to ensure a smooth online learning experience as well as virtual meetings and webinars.
Higher education institutions offer innovative courses, such as those in eco-technology-related fields, which can provide society resilience and sustainability. Micro-credentials have become more relevant than ever for people to obtain additional qualifications to boost their credibility in facing job uncertainty.
The research community has contributed impactful research and innovative solutions to combat the pandemic. Around the world, frontliners and other high-risk groups are undergoing Covid-19 vaccination.
A roadmap is needed to implement transformative changes towards recovery. The disruption from the pandemic is a wake-up call to everyone to be innovative.
DR JUDITH GISIP
Senior Lecturer
Eco-Technology Programme
Faculty of Applied Sciences
Universiti Teknologi MARA
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times