key: cord-1000953-ctjdance
authors: Darmalinggam, Darshana; Kaliannan, Maniam; Dorasamy, Magiswary
title: Proactive measures to eradicate Malaysia’s poverty in IR4.0 era: a shared prosperity vision
date: 2022-01-07
journal: F1000Res
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73330.2
sha: 1172fef59d267428b265308432b7893accd5673d
doc_id: 1000953
cord_uid: ctjdance

Background: In the country’s shared prosperity vision, Malaysia aspires to uplift the bottom 40% household income group (B40) by addressing wealth and income disparities. By 2030, the nation seeks to eradicate poverty through the provision of employment opportunities and career progression plans. A grey area between the nation’s aspirations and actions in practice can be observed because the goals have not been achieved despite numerous efforts aimed at the upliftment of the B40 group. The nation is still way behind its targeted outcomes despite various policies being implemented, which could be attributed to the mismatch between government policies and that of organisational practice. Thus, this study explores the rationale of strategic government intervention in managing B40 talent in the IR4.0 era. Methods: A general qualitative inquiry method that used 11 semi-structured interviews was carried out with representatives of Malaysia’s policy makers’, training providers, and trainees. All Interview questions centred around measures, importance and outcomes of B40 youth training from a multi-stakeholder perspective. Data were thematically analysed in five stages using NVivo. Results: Training, which includes IR4.0 era digital skills, is the key to uplifting the B40 youth to eradicate poverty. Proactive measures are imperative in the success of B40 youth training towards poverty eradication. Conclusions: This study contributes to the existing literature and helps practitioners by addressing the current gap in Malaysia’s aspirations versus organisational practice. Stakeholders should formulate proactive strategies to ensure that the right trainees are matched with the right training providers and government policies. A linkage between government policies and industry requirements needs to be established as opposed to the present discontinuity. A structured training needs analysis should be applied through a collaboration between industries and governments. Then, B40 individuals commonly found in lower-level positions can be pooled into the career pathway towards a shift into M40.

In the country's shared prosperity vision 2030, Malaysia aspires to uplift the bottom 40% household income group (B40). Accordingly, the shared prosperity vision aims to (1) develop all citizens in various levels through economic restructuring of full community participation towards a more progressive, knowledge-based and highly valued community, (2) address income and wealth disparities through eradicating inequalities and ensuring that no one is left behind and (3) attaining a united, prosperous and dignified nation through nation-building in becoming Asia's economic centre. 9 By 2030, the nation seeks to eradicate poverty through the provision of employment opportunities and career progression plans. However, a grey area between the nation's aspirations and actions in practice towards poverty eradication can be observed. 1 Poverty eradication in Malaysia refers to those in the B40 group. The goals have not been achieved despite numerous efforts aimed at the upliftment of the B40 group. The nation is still significantly behind its targeted outcomes despite various policies being formulated, which can be attributed to the mismatch between government policies and organisational practice. To re-match the two aspects, Malaysia could focus more attention on inclusive talent development practices targeted at the B40 youth. This inclusive youth training approach has been supported in past literature. 10 The B40 group represents the poverty that Malaysia is currently facing. Many of the B40 group households tend to have lower-level job positions or are unemployed because of mismatches or lack of the right knowledge, skills, abilities and attitude. The more relevant knowledge, skills and abilities in this industrial revolution (IR) 4.0 era include training programs that focus on data sciences, green accounting, and forensic economics. 11 Thus, to eradicate poverty in the long run, Malaysia should uplift the B40 youth group because they are the future generation that would determine the poverty level in Malaysia. Once they are uplifted into the middle 40% household income group (M40), poverty would be eradicated for good as they grow up to become adults or parents of the M40 group. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the rationale of government intervention in managing B40 youth talent via training in this IR4.0 era. The following research questions guide the study.

To what extent is training important in uplifting the B40 youth in line with poverty eradication?

Research question 2: What are the proactive measures and to what extent are they crucial to the success of B40 youth training towards poverty eradication?

A general qualitative approach using interviews from an interpretative perspective was used in this study. 2 The researchers believe that the knowledge on proactive measures to uplift the B40 youth is interpreted from the results of the study. The entire study took place within 2 years (2019-2021). Details on the research design are provided in Table 1 . The research idea was outlined by researcher 1, a master's student, and researcher 2, a lecturer (associate professor), who has vast experience in teaching human resource management modules and has undertaken several other research projects concerning talent management. Researcher 3, also a lecturer (associate professor), is an NVivo software expert which was used for data analysis. However, the suitability of software usage was revisited post-data collection, using a methodological reflexivity approach. 3 Researchers 1 and 3 are females and researcher 2 is a male, and thus no gender bias is thought to be evoked throughout the study. Overall, the study was informed by the researchers' understanding, knowledge and experience on the subject matter, reflecting ontological reflexivity to a certain degree.

Purposive random sampling 4 was used to gain insights from three stakeholder groups namely policymakers, training providers and trainees to obtain a multi-stakeholder perspective on B40 youth upliftment via training. Training providers provide various trainings including entrepreneurial, electrical, computer, and wiring areas which mainly target Malaysian youth. Policymakers were approached via emails to the relevant ministries which then directed the researchers to representatives in charge. Only trainees who had surpassed six months post-training completion were approached through a training provider. Trainees approached underwent skill-based training programmes on various courses including computer, electrical and wiring areas. These B40 youth trainees were given monetary compensation for their time while representatives from the policymakers and training providers voluntarily participated in the study. All

The discussion and conclusion section has been elaborated to answer the research questions more clearly.

Any further responses from the reviewers can be found at the end of the article potential participants who were approached took part. A total of 11 participants were attained, surpassing the suggested sample size of 4 to 10 for case studies. 5 No prior relationship was established with participants. Approval for data collection was obtained from the University of Nottingham Malaysia ethics committee and Nottingham University Business School Research Ethics Committee (ref number: NUBS-REC-2021-11). All participants and respective higher authorities for each stakeholder group were orally asked for consent, their confidentiality guaranteed, and the interviews were only conducted upon their agreement. Oral consents as such are allowed under NUBS REC's pre-approved protocol regulations.

One-on-one semi-structured online interviews were conducted between 15 April and 1 May 2021 by researchers 1 and 2. Semi-structured interviews were preferred because the study was exploratory. 6 Interview questions centred around measures, importance and outcomes of B40 youth training (refer to Table 2 for details). For example, details of training courses, benefits of training courses, challenges faced throughout training, and nation's strategic plan on B40 youth training. Probe questions were catered towards specific group of stakeholders accordingly. The interview schedule can be found as Extended data. 13 Subsequently, data were transcribed and analysed using NVivo software (version released in March 2020) for a month. A pilot interview was conducted with the third researcher to ensure that the questions are clearly understood by the interviewees. No changes were made to the interview guide as deemed appropriate. Before the interviews, every interviewee was provided with a rough question guide on areas the researchers would cover in the interview. At the start of the interview session, participants were briefed on the researchers and the study area. Each interview session varied between 40 minutes to 1 hour and interviews were not repeated. All interviews were audio-recorded through Microsoft Teams or Google Meet platforms' recording functions upon consent from interviewees. Occasionally, issues with the internet connection disrupted the flow of the interview sessions. Nevertheless, the researchers managed to cope with the situation and continue where they left off. The two applications were used to conduct the interviews based on interviewees' preferences and comfort. Probing questions were used whenever the researchers needed to gain in-depth insights from the participants. Field notes were recorded during the online interview sessions as a backup and were cross-checked against transcriptions for accuracy. Details of the 11 interviewees can be found in the results section of the report.

All interviews were transcribed word-for-word manually while maintaining the anonymity of interviewees. Pseudo names were assigned to each participant while categorising them in their respective stakeholder group. Accordingly, policymakers were referred to as PolicyMaker_1, PolicyMaker_2, PolicyMaker_3, and PolicyMaker_4; training providers' were referred to as Trainer_1, and Trainer_2; and trainees were referred to as Trainee_1, Trainee_2, Trainee_3, Trainee_4 and Trainee_5. All transcriptions were coded using NVivo software with occasional word cloud queries based on the question type for a thematic analysis method. 5 Verbatim statements were also chosen for several questions through the software. The third researcher conducted the analysis using the software along with the first researcher's contextual input. The third researcher proceeded to make inferences based on the analysed data. Member checking was conducted during and post interviews. 7 Answers to questions were repeated for confirmation from interviewees and findings of the report were shared with the interviewees. None of the interviewees suggested amendments to the data or findings reported. As detailed in Table 1 , several validity and reliability measures for qualitative research studies were followed. 7

Each interview began with a brief demographic check. Details of the participants' designations and roles are outlined in Table 3 .

Concerning research question 1 on the importance of training in the upliftment of B40 youth talents in line with poverty eradication, findings from the interviews are summarised in Figure 1 . 12 Upon assigning sentiment codes to the transcriptions using NVivo, the majority of trainees and training providers were found to have attested to training being successful in uplifting B40 youth, thereby implying the importance of training in eradicating poverty through B40 youth upliftment.

As to research question 2 on the proactive measures and their crucial value in the upliftment of B40 youth to eradicate poverty, six themes were explored and summarised in their respective Tables and/or Figures. Firstly, on challenges faced in B40 youth training and action plans. Figure 2 shows that approval, employment, teacher, study, parents, college, and students are keywords used in explaining the challenges faced in B40 youth training. The initial 137 items with synonyms themes that emerged were reduced to 111 items after the removal of non-thematic words. Policymakers believed that tracking employment of the B40 youth after the approval of the training programmes for training providers would be particularly challenging given that the B40 youth tend to leave their jobs within one or two weeks and are very much into business opportunities. The training providers find it challenging to obtain the students' focus for around eight hours a day while facing complaints from parents about their children being back home late at night. However, they believe that a close relationship with the students, close monitoring and constant updates to parents tend to keep these issues at bay. Meanwhile, trainees find it difficult to understand lessons taught by their teachers and would be required to google further explanations because their tutor pushes them to do so. They also face challenges from their parents not in favour of continuing studies or undergoing training because it would take up time that could be used to earn income at random jobs. Secondly, on interests of the B40 youth group. Figure 3 highlights certain themes that emerge including learning, business, wiring works, hands-on project, teaching, and studying. The initial 117 items with synonyms themes that emerged were reduced to 91 items post-removal non-thematic words. Third, regarding types of training wanted or needed by the B40 youth group (refer to Table 4 ). Fourth, measures to identify and pool B40 youth participants for training (refer to Table 5 ). Fifth, the emphasis in governance framework on B40 youth (refer to Table 6 ). Sixth, strategic perspectives on strategic plans to maximise benefit and minimise challenges of B40 youth training programmes for employment, entrepreneurship, reskilling and upskilling (refer to Table 7 ). 

PolicyMaker_1 "Our training programmes are not for the specific group … we receive some amount of funding to help the B40 group. So, we will look into the outcome first … they want to be employed in a company or... to be upskilled or reskilled … get business opportunities for them to generate own income." o There is no governance framework specifically targeted at the b40 group. o Training programmes are planned based on prospective outcome in line with government aspirations only when funding is received.

"..PENJANA. We received grant to cater to those affected during COVID... we don't have specific scheme for them (B40 youth)... but we have B40 development to cater to B40... whenever training provider provide or propose their proposal, they need to propose the outcome as well... We are going to launch janapreneur-online business platform to participate as seller. Just focusing on B40 development" o There is no governance framework specifically targeted at the B40 group. o B40 development funds can be utilised when proposed outcome from training provider is approved. o Future plans to be aimed at B40 development.

Following the research questions and findings reported, this study makes the following propositions:

1) Training is the key to uplifting the B40 youth and eradicate poverty.

2) Proactive measures are imperative in the success of B40 youth training towards poverty eradication.

Although government aspirations under the shared prosperity vision 2030 have been set to uplift the B40 group, in practice, government training funders are not being guided by a specific framework for B40 youth development. Ministries in charge of B40 training need to work in collaboration with the funder, policymakers, and training providers to better attract the interest of the B40 youth and overcome challenges faced in their training. The findings reported suggest that training is important to a great extent in uplifting B40 youth in line with poverty eradication as all trainees, trainers and policy makers have agreed upon. Figure 4 outlines a framework proposed by the researchers in which every stakeholder needs to come together to uplift B40 youth while considering their interests and the challenges that arise from the training journey. Specifically, the proactive measures include training providers' ability to provide detailed training programmes that cover soft skills, positive attitude development, motivational workshops and so on. Meanwhile, government policies such as specific programmes targeting B40 youth and working closely with other relevant ministries and/or funders should be in place proactively. Both of these stakeholders need to assume their roles while proactively taking into consideration B40 youths' interests in businesses, wiring, and projects alongside careful consideration of the challenges faced by them such as government approval for programmes, employment opportunities, and parents' support in training students. The findings of the study are congruent with the inclusive talent development practices that have been highlighted in previous studies. 8, 10 The researchers conclude that through proper training and proactive measures via collaboration pathways of multi-stakeholder involvement, the gap between Malaysia's aspirations and its actual practice on the ground can be closed. The training activities should also involve digital technology skills to keep abreast with the demands in this IR4.0 era.

The study contributes to the existing literature and practitioners by highlighting the current gap in Malaysia's aspirations of eradicating poverty in their shared prosperity vision 2030 versus actual organisational practice. Thus, the study suggests that stakeholders come up with proactive strategies to ensure that the right trainees are matched with the right training providers and government policies. A linkage between government policies and industry requirements needs to be established as opposed to the present discontinuity. A structured training needs analysis plan should be put in place through collaborations between industries and governments. However, organisations should be empowered to make decisions instead of constant government reliance to ensure continuous professional development for all within the organisation is embraced. Moreover, B40 individuals commonly found in lower-level positions can be pooled into the career pathway towards a shift into M40. However, the unavailability of statistical representation disables the generalisability of this study's findings. The qualitative nature of the study is subject to difficulty in causality investigation. Self-reported data are also subject to biases in subjective measures and social desirability. This project contains the underlying data: 

University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

The purpose of the study is clearly stated. It is relevant by exploring the mismatch (assumption) between strategic government intervention in managing B40 talent in the IR4.0 era. The chosen methodology is well described and thoroughly executed and reported on. Not clear what is meant by ''very much into business opportunities". The sample of trainees might be too small to draw any inferences and the needs of the type of training required by them, reflect personal needs. It would be interesting to know how this relates to national training needs. Interesting findings are

Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad: Shared prosperity vision 2030: Restructuring the priorities of Malaysia's development

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Interview transcript with multi-stakeholder on training in Malaysia for poverty eradication. figshare. Dataset. 2021. Publisher Full Text

Interview guide for proactive measures to eradicate poverty in Malaysia in IR4.0 Era: A shared prosperity vision

We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia for granting us a research grant under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2019/SS03/UNIM/02/1) to undertake this research and to the respective proofreaders.

the training hours and learning material content. This needs more interrogation. The challenges faced by the B40 group are insightful and their reality should be considered when thinking about the study suggestions. I missed a brief overview of 4IR.0 context within this study.

Is the study design appropriate and is the work technically sound? Yes

Are all the source data underlying the results available to ensure full reproducibility? Yes Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results? Yes 

Are all the source data underlying the results available to ensure full reproducibility? Yes

Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above. We thank you for a chance to improve our paper. We have compiled the suggestions and comments as per your call, and have addressed the concerns based on your excellent suggestion as follows:-It is a new area of research. As such, no direct citations can be found in 2020-2021. 1.The discussion and conclusion section has now been elaborated to provide answers to each of the research questions especially on the issue of 'To what extent training is important in uplifting B40 youth in line with poverty eradication?' and 'What are the proactive measures and to what extent are they crucial to the success of B40 youth training towards poverty eradication?' 2.Our deepest gratitude to all the Respected Editors and Reviewers for your valuable time taken to scrutinise the content of this paper. We have attempted our very best to improve the quality of this paper.Thank you so much.Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.The benefits of publishing with F1000Research:Your article is published within days, with no editorial bias • You can publish traditional articles, null/negative results, case reports, data notes and more • The peer review process is transparent and collaborative • Your article is indexed in PubMed after passing peer review • Dedicated customer support at every stage • For pre-submission enquiries, contact research@f1000.com