The significance of green skills in Malaysia’s sustainable development

As Malaysia advances toward sustainable development, the transition to a low-carbon economy is expected to have a profound impact on labour markets and the composition of workforce skills. International organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have similarly underscored the growing significance of green skills in low- and middle-income countries. In Malaysia, this transformation is reshaping the labour market by altering industry demands and intensifying the need for competencies related to energy efficiency, carbon management, and other green technologies. According to TalentCorp’s impact study, the global shift toward a green economy is creating new employment opportunities. Research indicates a rising demand for roles that support this transition, including Renewable Energy Engineers, Environmental Data Analysts, Waste Management Specialists, Energy Auditors, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Experts. These positions highlight the increasing need for specialised expertise in sustainability and environmental responsibility across various industries. This transformation is further reinforced by national policy frameworks, including the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which emphasise that green growth is essential rather than optional.