Learn more about Courses and the requirements, fees and other details.
Ask Questions to get an education expert’s advice immediately.
Get the latest information about education news, tips and career opportunities.
Find out information about different Institutions and apply to them directly.
A link will be sent via e-mail to initiate password reset. Please check your inbox.
If you have not received it, Seconds, please click here.
If you have not received it, please click here.
You have reached your password reset limit for today. Please check your spam folder, retry tomorrow or contact us now
A One Time Password (OTP) has been sent to your number at Update Phone Number
Skip Now
Back
Want to change your mobile number? Update Mobile Number
Didn’t get a call from us? Retry now Want to change your mobile number? Update mobile number
Want to change your mobile number? Update mobile number
We have saved your mobile number successfully! You may retry tomorrow.
Your IVR verification call has been initiated.
Visit the International Students section on our website to find out the latest news and everything you need to know about studying in Malaysia.
Published by Afterschool.my on Sep 06, 2016, 05:57 pm
It was a common view every morning and evening for blue factory buses to wait for the white or blue uniformed workers by roadsides.
The manufacturing sector is generally known for not requiring a high education level or for having simple test interviews for admission, but resulting in a reasonable income.
However, those involved in the manufacturing sector has always been blamed for social problems among workers, low wages and gender discrimination in higher level positions.
It was common for 20 people who were all factory workers to inhabit one single house unit. Convenience and welfare at the time was less emphasized, causing many workers to often switch from one factory to another.
This was many years ago. The manufacturing sector now has undergone a more advanced transformation towards providing a work space that not only offers lucrative salaries, but also better employee welfare.
The manufacturing industry has emerged as a major contributor to economic sectors in Malaysia and is the largest industry which provides employment to women (Women's Studies in the Labour Malaysia by UNDP 2013).
However, due to various factors, the female labor force is still low as an estimated 37 percent only are classified as skilled workers.
Back then, most women factory workers were demoralized by the lack of infrastructure facilities such as dormitories, cafeterias and child care centers.
Nur Hasrifa Hamzah, 35, a Senior Supervisor of Production at one of the Flex factories in Malaysia said that the manufacturing sector now not only provides plenty of opportunities including the potential of progressing to higher levels of management in a short term, but the conducive work atmosphere and culture allow women workers to highlight their credibility.
She, who has a family of her own, started as an ordinary operator when stepping into the factory 17 years ago.
She had never imagined being in her current management position, and had at first wanted to stop working because of the constraints of balancing work and domestic life.
"Here, promotion opportunities are available every two years and there is no discrimination against gender, because everything depends on the individual achievements and abilities the workers demonstrated in carrying out their respective duties.
"In fact, working hours are flexible to accommodate those who have to work overtime, in addition to hostel facilities for those who are married," she said.
Almost a majority of factory workers use the manufacturing sector as a jumping board before pursuing a career in their other fields of interest.
Nur Hasrifa disagrees with this carefree attitude towards jobs in the manufacturing sector.
"Quitting work or switching factories on short notice may cause a halted development among factory workers. It may also prevent them from being given further career opportunities as the management will not able to assess their abilities," she explained.
Changes in the environment of the manufacturing sector towards a more sustainable management help the sector to continue being a favourite career choice among Malaysians, especially women.
According to the General Manager Management Department of Local Operators for Flex (Malaysia), Hasifah Wati Harun, 43, women are crucial in the manufacturing sector especially for complex work involving the installation of small components, which are often less favored by male workers.
This attention to detail in complex tasks are among the reasons why it is easier for women to be promoted to top management positions in a factory.
According to Hasifah, modern factories now provide infrastructure facilities such as child care centers, cafes, relaxing lounge and comfortable and spacious places for prayer.
In fact, she explained, each employee is given a space to voice their grievances and are solved more efficiently by employers.
"We do not want people and fresh graduates especially to still regard becoming factory workers as a desperate and last resort because the field is also like other careers that can help improve the economy," she concluded.
Find out other steps on embarking towards a career path after SPM here.
As Malaysia continues to grow economically, the demand for skilled financial analysts also increases, be it in banks, insurance agencies and wealth management firms. Their primary duties include gathering data, tracking market movements, recognising trends and offering recommendations to clients.Fin..
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) mission to work on behalf of public interest and build sustainable economies, has led to the professional organisation advocating for greater leadership around issues covered by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (S..
Wawasan Open University (WOU) offers a transformative digital bootcamp to empower learners with essential 21st-century skills for success in today’s world.Transitioning from secondary school to university can be a confusing time. Which career path should you take? Which courses should yo..
Mr Ooi Aik Khong, affectionately known as Eekang by his students, stands as a beacon of achievement in the realm of Industrial Design education at the School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD), Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). Recently honoured as one of the ina..
Generative AI tools have the potential to impact over 300 million full-time jobs worldwide, with economists estimating that at least a quarter of these occupations' workload could be automated.The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, is creating significant interest ..
An animated film of Malaysian production, The Pillar of Strength, has recently earned acclaim at the International Human-Environment Care Film Festival (HECFF 2023) in Toronto, Canada. The film, advocating for endangered generations while supporting efforts to break the cycle of endangerment, proudl..
RISE Educator Award returns for its fourth year, continuing its mission of celebrating and honouring the nation’s educators who support students in attaining quality and equitable education. Organised by Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers, RISE Educator Award is ..
From unexpected places, a spark of inspiration can ignite the most extraordinary journeys. For Hailey Chung Wee Kye, this journey began amidst the pews of a church, where her passion for media was kindled through diverse roles as a cameraman, video editor and designer.“My initial experience opened..
Taylor’s University has proudly secured business accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) through its Taylor’s Business School. This accreditation grants the university, and its students access to a vast network of more than 1,900..
An illustration sketch of the ‘Murni’ project created by APU student Mostafa Elsayed Elsayed Marzouk, who received the Grand Prize in the Global Capstone Design Competition 2023, Public Facilities Design Project Based on Local Culture Award.Mostafa Elsayed Elsayed Marzouk, a Master of Arts in De..
Get the information first
Afterschool.my
Shares
0
Need help?