PwC’s Hopes and Fears Survey 2021

Malaysia report

April 2021



 

COVID-19 hasn’t just accelerated digital transformation. It’s changed the future of work as we know it. The importance of specific skills like digital can no longer be underestimated, as technology becomes even more interwoven into our personal and professional lives. Having adapted to the new normal, workforce expectations have also evolved over the past year, with many wanting greater workplace flexibility and options to work outside the office even post-pandemic.

We explore these themes in the Malaysia report* of PwC’s Hopes and Fears Survey 2021. From the 2,003 local responses gathered from 26 January to 8 February this year, we see that while technology has proven to deliver opportunities, the risks associated with job disruption, the inability to disconnect, and the widening digital divide remain ever present. 

*This report may be considered a follow-up to our ‘Digital resilience in a new world’ thought leadership, which was prepared independently by PwC Malaysia in 2020 as a local version of PwC’s Global ‘Hopes and fears’ report published in 2019. 

71%

are worried that automation is putting many people’s jobs at risk

88%

are ready to learn new skills or completely retrain in order to remain employable in the future

55%

prefer a mostly virtual work environment

28%

are able to disconnect from work outside working hours and make use of their full annual leave entitlement

85%

say they want to work for an organisation that will make a positive contribution to society

Explore the key findings

Malaysians embrace technology but are anxious about jobs
  • 77% of respondents believe technology presents more opportunities than risks.
  • However, 71% are concerned that automation is putting many people’s jobs at risk.
  • 57% believe their job will be made obsolete in the next 5 years because of technological advancements.
Takeaways
  • People were already anxious about the digitalised future before COVID-19, and with the pandemic heightening uncertainties, employers have a responsibility to see to it that their employees are not left behind. Employers will need to commit to educating their employees on how digital transformation is impacting the organisation, and how that may disrupt job functions. The relevance of current skills will then need to be assessed to identify gaps, so that employees can be properly upskilled or reskilled.
  • This applies across all industries, where digital transformation plans are being intensified. Essential to those plans, is an upskilling or reskilling programme that comprises a mix of technical and human skills, core to enabling employees to better adapt to our digital era. 

 

Hide

Required fields are marked with an asterisk(*)

By submitting your email address, you acknowledge that you have read the Privacy Statement and that you consent to our processing data in accordance with the Privacy Statement (including international transfers). If you change your mind at any time about wishing to receive the information from us, you can send us an email message using the Contact Us page.

Contact us

Nurul A'in Abdul Latif

Nurul A'in Abdul Latif

Executive Chair, PwC Malaysia

Tel: +60 (3) 2173 0935

Andrew Chan

Andrew Chan

Asia Pacific Sustainability, Strategy & Transformation Partner, PwC Malaysia

Tel: +60 (3) 2173 0348

Carmen Lee

Carmen Lee

Senior Manager, People and Organisation, PwC Malaysia

Tel: +60 (3) 2173 1110