WOMEN are increasingly entering the freelance economy, particularly through e-commerce and social media platforms.

TalentCorp group COO Siva Kumeren A Narayanan identified a discrepancy in women’s participation in the formal labour force, which has not yet achieved the 60% threshold, even though their enrolment rates in higher education have reached 63%

“More women are engaging in the gig economy, for example through social media and e-commerce platforms. While this is a positive development, it does not always translate into formal labour force participation.

“Gig economy is also changing the way the formal education route is taken up and workforce entries are pathing — something the government is studying further,” he said at the Leadership Summit Series on the Future of People@Work recently.

The summit was organised by the Asia School of Business (ASB) which gathered industry leaders, scholars, and human resource (HR) experts to analyse the future of work and the obstacles it presents.

ASB CEO, president and dean Sanjay Sarma discussed the advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.

He anticipated a future in which technology not only improves industries but also transforms work structures, fostering inclusive and dynamic environments.

“The future of work involves more than technology. It is about reimagining how we connect, collaborate, and grow.

“AI has transformed industries through how it integrates everything including green finance, fintech, ESG sustainability, Internet of things (IoT) and biotech,” he said.

Sanjay added that this evolution is not just a leap in technology but a revolution in how tasks and organisations are structured.

He said the AI and digital transformation critically rest on continuous learning and adaptability, so workforces remain resilient and innovative amid rapid changes.

Meanwhile, FinTech entrepreneur and BFM Radio founder Malek Ali emphasised the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the interim.

He noted that adaptability, continuous learning, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and curiosity are the greatest assets in this era of rapid change.

“To fully harness the power of AI, we must integrate it into our education system,” he said, adding that investing in AI will strengthen workforces and drive innovation and resilience.

Additionally, an associate professor at ASB, Alexander Eng, underscored the significance of understanding employee perceptions and attitudes to ensure the successful implementation of AI strategies in the workplace, thereby incorporating a human perspective into the AI discourse.

Additionally, Citi Malaysia chief Human Resources officer Tooba Modassir emphasised the evolving skill sets required for the future workforce, namely flexibility and adaptability.

“Even when sourcing for talent, we are focused on hiring for skills, competencies and culture fit.

“In a rapidly evolving job market, it is imperative to equip employees with the ability to learn and grow continuously,” he said.

He advised organisations to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, and encourage employees to take ownership of their development.

Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia Group Sustainability director Ahmad Hezri Adnan touched on sustainability.

He said since the Paris Agreement in 2015, there has been a coordinated effort by businesses, governments, and society to adopt sustainable practices.

“We are witnessing a significant shift towards transparency and accountability in environmental reporting, which is crucial for achieving our sustainability goals.

“Companies must integrate these practices into their core operations and their talent force in order to drive such meaningful change,” he said.

Originally published by The Malaysian Reserve.