The Rise of Gig Economy in the New Normal : Talent & Development of Gig Workers

Moderator : Low Ngai Yuen, CEO, Global Entrepreneurship Movement Association (GEMA)

Speakers :

About :

Malaysia has approximately 13,000 Foodpanda and 10,000 Grab Food riders in the Klang Valley, and over 160,000 e-hailing drivers employed. According to World Bank Data, 25.3% of the Malaysian workforce, or about four million people, were freelancers in 2018, and this number is expected to grow. Additionally, just a few months ago, the gig economy was identified as a new source of economic growth and will be made part of the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Gig Economy is a relatively recent phenomenon and has not experienced major trials and tribulations until the current pandemic, Covid19. During this uncertain time, gig workers in different fields are experiencing it differently - currently some are having difficulties in looking for work while others are gaining tremendous job opportunities such as those directly involved with e-commerce and food delivery. What’s certain is that the outbreak is revealing how integral the gig economy is. Given that social distancing might be the new normal, companies will be searching for new ways to meet project deadlines and may be looking for extra help in the form of gig workers. In fact, this might set a pattern for a future where remote work and hiring gig workers is more widely accepted than ever. While this will definitely increase opportunities for current gig workers, how will gig talents be developed, recruited and managed?

How would the Covid19 Pandemic change the future of the gig economy in Malaysia?

About The Host :

Futurise is a company (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cyberview Sdn Bhd) under the Ministry of Finance that focuses on innovation, regulation, and commercialization. The company has been mandated by the Malaysian Government through the National Development Council (“NPC/MPN”) to lead the National Regulatory Sandbox initiative to expedite regulatory intervention, deploy innovation and technology solutions and establish new innovation ecosystems. Futurise plays an active role as the Public Policy Advisor to ministries and agencies in developing an anticipatory, progressive and inclusive regulatory framework that is imperative in shaping Malaysia for the Future Economy. Its current focus ranges from Sharing Economy, and industries such as Mobility (Transportation) and SportsTech which includes Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAV) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV).

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Discussion points :

• When we think of gig workers, especially given our current situation, we often think of the riders, drivers and services as these are the frontliners for essential services. While this is crucial, perhaps there needs to be more room for discussing digital gig workers, especially if we are to think of the current situation as a new normal. What are the opportunities in digital gig employment?
• Even before Covid19, it was predicted that the industry might soon generate nearly 50% of Malaysia’s economy. During the midst of the pandemic, this seems sooner than ever. What are the crucial steps in ensuring the gig economy’s stable growth in Malaysia?
• Covid19 has left companies having budget constraints, especially when it comes to employment. Additionally, with social distancing, employees are not able to be present on-premises. This new normal may lead to a significant demand of gig workers - not just for the gig “front liners” but high digital skills too. What is the current landscape of digital gig workers in Malaysia?
• There are presently 2.2 million gig workers registered with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), but the numbers are definitely higher and have increased during this pandemic. From this number, what is the percentage of digital gig workers in Malaysia?
• Do we have enough skilled digital workers?
• What are the steps needed to ensure sufficient supply of digital gig workers?
• What kind of gig skills would be most in demand?
• Most companies are keeping their operations lean during and post Covid19. This has led to many employee retrenchment. Would the gig economy be the answer to the newly unemployed?
• How best to assist the newly unemployed in shifting their skills to match labour market demands in the gig economy?
• It is well known and debated that the biggest issue in the gig economy is the lack of regulation on social protections of workers. As more talent might turn into gigs, what are the preparations needed for the previously secured full timers to ensure their social protection in the gig economy?
• As the demand for gig workers increases it may lead to the rise of gig platforms. What kind of gig platforms are likely to increase? (eg - marketplace, job matching etc)
• What other shifts can be expected for the gig economy in Malaysia?

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