Technical manpower for industrialisation: orchestrating HRD through a micro-level, cluster-based strategy

Abstract

In order to achieve Vision 2020, Malaysia is committed to creating a globally competitive 21st century economy. Malaysia has experienced growth exceeding 8 in terms of contribution to GDP and exports. Within manufacturing, however, there per cent over almost the entire last decade. Manufacturing features prominantly both have been perceptible changes. For example, while manufacturing drives Malaysia's exports, low cost labour no longer drives production. Hence industries have to transform in order to remain competitive. Malaysia's transforming industries must face the new challenges of emerging country competitors, the need to add value along the value chain, and a new international industry structure. Malaysia will need to create and increase higher value-added jobs especially in the high-skilled product development and marketing ends on the value chain and decrease the percentage of unskilled workers in assembly jobs through automation.