Do you know by the year 2020 with an estimated world population reaching 7.6 billion, current developments in technology predict that 50 billion electronic devices will interact with one another? This shows that the number of devices communicating exceeds the number of humans with each human having approximately 6.58 electronic devices. These interconnected devices generate data and knowledge.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) founder and executive chairman, Klaus Schwab, in his book The Fourth Industrial Revolution, explains that Industry 4.0 is changing the way we work and live. The changes are driven by three (3) key technology domains, namely physical, digital and biological across, nine (9) Industry 4.0 pillars, including simulation and virtual reality, vertical and horizontal system integration, Internet of Things (IoT) industry, cybersecurity, cloud computing, add-on manufacturing, supply chain, data analysis and automation robots.
Facing the challenges of Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, leaders should have to get out of the habit. The World Economic Forum (WEF) outlines the importance of mastering the 4C elements of Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity at all levels, including the ivory tower. If High School Thinking Skills (VICT) schools are at the forefront, students at the university need to be step up in different ways too.
These 4C skills must be enhanced in every corner of life, in residential colleges, college halls, across volunteer and entrepreneurial activities as well as on the sports field. In preparation for the Industry 4.0 challenges, leaders need to consider the following actions.
Emphasise complex problem-solving skills
The nine (9) core industries of 4.0 can be formulated in one word, which is complex. Is that a complex issue? Complex problems are measured by the breadth of the conflict involved, the depth of analysis and knowledge required, the involvement of unique issues, the need to adhere to established standards, the needs of consumers and stakeholders, the impact of solutions on various aspects such as economy, environment, social, political, ethical, health and sustainability.
Thus, it is clear that students are no longer tied to the field of study and examination alone. Cognitive flexibility is essential for complex problems to be addressed aggressively and holistically.
Improve verbal, written communication skills
With IoT as the heartbeat, the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is critical. Once upon a time, meetings were face-to-face, but today we have discussions everywhere. Many conflicts are arising from communication if aspects of language and the art of communication are not being highlighted, and it will occur a lot of misunderstanding, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving process issues.
So, it will be lower your organisation’s productivity, quality, and quantity. In addition to technology, the inability to communicate effectively in English can no longer be an excuse. With more language competence, the leader will stand high in the arena of globalisation.
Embrace yourself as an effective leader and team member.
Solving complex problems across disciplines requires excellent teamwork, as effective leaders and team members. In addition to technical knowledge, charisma and innovative leadership are a recipe for teamwork success.
Leading and being a good team member requires knowledge and skills. In universities for examples, various opportunities are offered, for example, through group projects, as well as activities in residential colleges and uniformed bodies, all of which are ocean wide opportunities.
Feel yourself with emotional intelligence.
For Industry 4.0, just being smart isn’t enough. A good worker not only needs to know his or her actions and wisdom but his or her emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage emotions of oneself and others with three (3) main areas of awareness, networking, and emotional control.
Emotional intelligence is the key to successful social and professional relationships. Emphasising does not necessarily mean that a leader does not need to throw away a file, nor does it mean that a leader is left speechless when a subordinate is in trouble. The question is, how the firmness of the workforce can drive others and foster a high sense of belonging to the organisation? Emotional intelligence is a must.
Take advantage of all opportunities, always be creative.
Opportunities in the Industry 4.0 era were like gold scattered on the streets, just waiting for who came to collect it. With Industry 4.0 emphasising such a facet of smart manufacturing, the
the human resource that will fill it must be able to seize opportunities, be creative and innovative in making proposals, and take risks.
In conclusion, this is nothing more than our generation not dying to step into the Industry 4.0 challenge. The complex world can only be conquered by having a future generation with full of knowledge and morals. For the sake of our beloved country, Malaysia, strive to be better today than tomorrow and tomorrow will be brighter than today. Take advantage of all opportunities, always be creative.
