
30/09/2024
I had the privilege of moderating an enlightening session at the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia care economy conference themed ‘Growing the Economy and Meeting the Care Needs of the Malaysian Society’. The event, held for two days on 24-25 September 2024 at ISIS Malaysia, brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the transformative potential of the care economy for Malaysia’s future.
Key Takeaways from the session:
1. Professional Standards and Training for the Social Care Industry presented by Dr. Teoh Ai Hua, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia and President of the Malaysian Association of Social Workers (MASW). The discussion, enriched by insights from:
• YBrs. Ir. Ts. Dr. bin Ahmad, Deputy Director General (Development), Ministry of Human Resources , who emphasized the need for clear careworker classifications.
• Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rashila Ramli, Principal Visiting Fellow, United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), who highlighted the importance of integrating global health perspectives into local care practices.
2. Care Economy as a Growth Sector presented by Dr. Lee Ken, Researcher at the mySdg Center for Social Inclusion (myCSI), APPGM-SDG.
We explored the vast economic potential of the care sector, with invaluable commentary from:
• Ms. Shakira Teh Sharifuddin , Senior Economist, Social Protection and Labor, World Bank, who shared her insights on how investing in the care economy can significantly boost Malaysia’s GDP.
• Pn. Hawati Abdul Hamid , Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute (KRI), who delved into the socio-economic benefits of supporting both paid and unpaid care work.
These discussions were not just about identifying challenges but also about envisioning a future where Malaysia’s care economy is a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable growth sector. The conference underscored the urgency of establishing robust support systems for caregivers and integrating care into our broader economic framework.
I am grateful to ISIS Malaysia for this opportunity and to all the presenters and commentators for their profound contributions.