(left-right) Mutiara, Salman, dan Naomi, three Indonesian young talents who participate in the Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Job Program
Information technology development is evolving rapidly and has significantly influenced many aspects of our daily life. The massive use of the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning has contributed to global competitiveness. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental in creating world technology disruption. The 2020 World Economic Forum Report predicted that in 2025, 85 million jobs will be replaced by machines and at the same time, 97 million new roles may arise. These new jobs and opportunities would be an adaptation of the division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms.
In direct response to address the needs of rapidly changing skills and knowledge for the 4.0 workforce, Prestasi Junior Indonesia (PJI) and Microsoft are committed to preparing young Indonesians to enter the world of work in the 21st century. This is being achieved through the implementation of the Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program, which provides digital skills training through the Cloudswyft online learning platform for young people in five countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Through this program, 10,000 participants in Indonesia have the opportunity to secure improved digital knowledge and skills delivered by business professionals via specially developed learning videos. All participants will also be equipped with the various hard and soft skills that are necessary for success within the workplace.
Mutiara Rahmadayani and Muhammad Salman Al Farizi are two young Indonesian college students, among others, who possess an overarching purpose of becoming competitive candidates when entering the world of work in the future. Interested in getting structured learning while still maintaining flexible learning hours, they decided to join Microsoft’s Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program.
“I was inspired by Mr. Nadiem Makarim in terms of pursuing a career in technology. Amidst the digital accelerations which are now a part of the public’s needs, he is exceptionally able to establish a technology-based company in a ride-hailing concept that simultaneously opens job opportunities for many people. I believe that the business is not only profitable for the company itself but also improves the community’s economic value,” explained Salman, a Physics student from Jakarta State University.
Thanks to the Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program, Salman has been able to optimize his digital capability by accessing labs to improve his understanding of data science. He hopes this will be his first step to secure a career as a data scientist, which will benefit not only himself, but also his family and the wider community.
Meanwhile for Mutiara, an Accounting student from Brebes, Central Java, she feels the program has challenged her positively to learn the complexity of data dynamics. Growing up in a smaller town that is more dominant with its agricultural sector does not discourage her. To achieve her goal to work in the technology sector, Mutiara combines accounting with data visualization and management through Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program.
Mutiara added, “As I live in an area that is quite far from the city, I take this program as a precious opportunity. I can hone my digital skills anytime and anywhere, while preparing myself to become an excellent young talent. Aside from that, I am grateful for technological advancement as it gives people from remote areas a chance to access as much information needed in an easier way.”
Participating in this training not only benefits those who are in university. Many of the young participants are also workers who are seeking other ways to improve their skills and knowledge outside their office, in hopes to boost their capabilities and further compete with other candidates in this competitive 4.0 world of work.
It is Naomi, an enthusiastic 20-year-old high school graduate who now works as a purchasing admin at an automotive spare parts distribution company in Jakarta, believes that it is important for the young generation of today, regardless of their background and interest, to be able to advance their digital skills productively. “The learning materials about formulas and formatting feature in Microsoft Excel are very useful for me to complete my day-to-day work. In the past, I frequently made many mistakes and have received a few complaints. Ever since I learned about the features and formulas, the analysis process has become so much easier. The results are more accurate and surpass the target given from the company,” she explained.
After participating in the Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Job program, Naomi was inspired to continue pursuing this field and determined to pursue higher education to college, majoring in Information System. She hopes that the insights she will gain, both from the Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program and later in college, will further evolve her skills, so she can be more confident to pursue a career in the data field upon graduation.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqh0jrm7uyA]
“We are proud to see so many young people of Indonesia participating in the Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program. As we all know, technology-based skills are the foundations for all digital transformations, and having a knowledgeable worker in the industry is the most valuable asset any company can have. By facilitating the future generation in digital courses, we are building a better and inclusive future for all,” stated Nina Wirahadikusumah, Business Strategy Director of Microsoft Indonesia.
“As the use of technology evolves rapidly in today’s modern society, digital skills are needed more than ever. Hence, we are continuously providing the youth of this nation digital platforms for them to learn and grow in a flexible time. Furthermore, we hope to see more Indonesian youth eager to join this free online course that is dedicated for them to further explore and expand their knowledge,” stated Robert Gardiner, Academic Advisor and Operations Counsel of Prestasi Junior Indonesia.
The Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program not only provides the skills and knowledge to enter the digital era. The participants will also receive soft skills training to support their understanding of collaboration, communication, creativity, as well as conflict management.
Read more about The Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs program here. You can also join the program until May 2022.
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