Addressing skilled labour shortages in Malaysia’s printing industry: insights from industry experts

The printing industry faces significant challenges due to a shortage of skilled workers, which negatively impacts production quality, efficiency, and competitiveness. This article explores the complex challenges associated with the shortage of skilled workers in the printing industry. It identifies specific impacts such as reduced employee retention, delayed production timelines, compromised quality, and decreased customer satisfaction. A qualitative analysis of 8 interviews with key industry stakeholders, including company owners, human resources and operations managers, reveals critical issues such as ineffective employment practices, inadequacies in training programs, and negative industry perceptions. To address these challenges, the article proposes strategies such as improved human resources management, enhanced skills development and training initiatives, technological advancement, and outsourcing. The article also highlights future challenges, including technological disruptions, demographic shifts, and sustainability concerns, emphasizing the need for proactive planning and collaboration to ensure the industry’s continued viability and competitiveness. This study also situates the Malaysian printing industry’s skilled labour shortage within wider national and global manufacturing trends, highlighting its urgency and the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral solutions.