BUDGET 2021 WISHLIST

The upcoming Budget 2021 session will be tabled on November 6 and the session this year is expected to be different following the healthcare crisis that have taken place. BusinessToday speaks to business leaders and industry experts on what should considered by the government in the coming session.

BRIAN SIM, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND COUNTRY HEAD, KELLY SERVICES MALAYSIA

Besides wage subsidies, the government should also consider granting tax exemptions to employers who participate in hiring programs designed to provide long term employment for jobseekers.

From the employee’s perspective, upskilling should be a priority. Given the changes in the work landscape, it is important that everyone (especially jobseekers), are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the new normal. While there are numerous initiatives already in place by the government, many jobseekers do not know of their existence. The government should focus on raising awareness on this front and encourage more Malaysians to participate in these initiatives. One example of how this can be achieved is through increased partnerships with private organisations to boost visibility and participation in government initiatives.

We are also interested in seeing what the government has in mind for fresh graduates in the upcoming budget. One example would be to leverage on public-private partnerships to create an initiative to promote employment among fresh graduates or even provide internship opportunities could prove to be a great first step in boosting employment rates among fresh graduates.

We also expect to see the government fully leverage its success in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia to boost foreign direct investment (FDI). As one of the few nations in Southeast Asia to successfully minimise the spread of Covid-19, there is a positive perception towards Malaysia among foreign investors. This is a good sign, and we would like to see what the government has in mind to tap into FDI in the coming year.