I can still recall in the mid-1960s, the economy was booming in my hometown, Taiping. There were abundant of job opportunities in the rubber estates, tin mining and textile industries, as well as government sector as clerks, teachers, uniform personnel like the military, police, customs, immigration even forest rangers, etc. We just needed to be physically fit & with the minimum academic qualification that enable to read, write, calculate and communicate, to order to get available jobs. Most of my primary & lower secondary schoolmates decided to seize this opportunities to earn income at a very young age.
I was also influenced by this development and wanted to quit from pursuing higher education. However, my late father, Allahyarham Baharom Mat Alif, had strongly objected my intention by repeatedly rationalizing, “Higher education provides critical, industry-specific, leadership and management skills, while fostering adaptability for future evolving job markets. It also expands professional networks of our chosen discipline to ensure a long-term career growth.”
He really impressed upon me and my siblings that “Higher levels of education are strongly linked to better job opportunities, career progression & higher income potential. Higher education is crucial for both entering the workforce and navigating long-term career growth, acting as a key driver of economic prosperity and personal development. Moreover, education plays a crucial role in fostering the essentials in navigating future tough professional world.”
My 3 siblings and I are very grateful to our father for guiding us the way for future professionalism through education. As we look to the future, the real role of education in shaping the future workforce is fostering a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) disciplines.
In reciprocal, we're now encouraging our children that education serves as a catalyst for economic growth and social mobility, empowering individuals to reach their full potential & contribute meaningfully to society. Education is not merely means to an end but rather being powerful for tomorrow workforce.
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