The Malaysia Career and Training Fair (MCTF) 2023, held on 9th and 10th September, has once again proven its significance as the nation’s premier career event. Drawing an impressive crowd of over 30,000 jobseekers and professionals, this annual fair, now in its third decade, stands as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing its workforce.
Co-organised by AIC Exhibitions Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Business Media International, and JobStreet Malaysia, the event was graced by guest of honour Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, underlining the government’s dedication to supporting the nation’s young talent in their quest for prosperous careers and personal growth.
With over 130 exhibitors and more than 10,000 job openings from top companies, MCTF 2023 facilitated vital connections between jobseekers, recruiters, and employers, offering networking opportunities and on-the-spot interviews.
MCTF cultivating a skilled workforce
Yeoh emphasised the role of initiatives like MCTF 2023 in complementing the government’s efforts to revitalise the economy. She stressed the importance of lifelong learning and the need for employers to foster an environment conducive to skill development among their workforce.
Datuk William Ng, Managing Director of AIC Exhibitions, expressed delight in the collaboration with JobStreet Malaysia, highlighting the diverse crowd at the event, representing Malaysians of all ages and career stages. He underscored the fair’s significance as a platform for career exploration and a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce.
Vic Sithasanan, Managing Director of JobStreet Malaysia, noted the robustness of Malaysia’s labour market, with a surge in job postings and applications. Face-to-face interactions were highlighted as pivotal in the job-seeking process, a trend JobStreet aims to support by partnering with AIC Exhibitions for MCTF’s continued success.
seekMAX provides a user-friendly avenue for growth
MCTF 2023 not only served as a platform for connecting jobseekers with prospective employers but also unveiled seekMAX, a groundbreaking in-app learning content platform designed to empower professionals in their quest for career advancement.
SeekMAX, a brainchild of SEEK, the renowned global job marketplace, offers a wealth of over 1,100 free edutainment videos. These videos, accessible in both English and Bahasa Malaysia via the JobStreet mobile app, cover a diverse range of topics, catering to various professional interests and skill development needs. Whether one seeks to enhance technical expertise, bolster soft skills, or delve into industry-specific knowledge, seekMAX provides a user-friendly avenue for growth.
Chook Yuh Yng, Chief Growth Officer, Careers and Connect Platform, Asia, SEEK, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, underlining its relevance to today’s fast-paced job market. In a recent survey conducted by JobStreet, a staggering 62% of users revealed their motivation to engage in continuous learning for self-improvement or career advancement. SeekMAX’s bite-sized, easily digestible content aligns seamlessly with the busy lives of Malaysians, allowing them to upskill efficiently.
SeekMAX’s launch in Malaysia is a testament to the commitment of JobStreet and SEEK to nurture and equip the Malaysian workforce with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in an ever-evolving job landscape. It reinforces their role as dedicated career partners for Malaysians, fostering growth opportunities and professional development.
MCTF 2023 stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity in the world of careers and training. With the resounding success of this year’s event, it is evident that Malaysians, regardless of age or career stage, continue to seek avenues for growth and development. The commitment of both government and private entities to support this journey is unwavering.
As Malaysia strives to bounce back economically, events like MCTF are vital in ensuring that the workforce remains dynamic and adaptable. Face-to-face interactions, skill-building opportunities, and the introduction of seekMAX all contribute to the holistic approach taken towards career development.
With the job market showing resilience and innovation in the face of economic challenges, MCTF 2023 has reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone in the nation’s pursuit of a skilled and prosperous future.