Interview: Maha Mofeez
What strategies and policies could be implemented to ensure that students and workers gain the skills required by the future labour market?
MAHA MOFEEZ: Tamkeen’s strategy cycle for the years 2021-25 was developed to cater to the unique market requirements. It focuses on incentivising positive changes, such as enhancing productivity by enabling high-potential sectors, encouraging business model changes, supporting nationwide projects that generate economic impact, and fostering partnerships with leading local and global organisations. To address skill gaps, we have developed programmes and partnerships that enable enterprises and individuals to cultivate the necessary skills to ensure their competitiveness both locally and internationally.
Programmes such as Train Me, Train and Place, and Train and Grow provide Bahraini nationals with training opportunities and support their employment in companies, thereby closing skill gaps and supplying the private sector with the talent required to drive productivity and growth. Furthermore, partnerships with leading providers of training and education will offer Bahraini citizens the chance to develop the required skills. Our recent collaboration with cybersecurity training firm SANS Institute, coding institute Reboot 01 and tech training firm General Assembly aims to provide specialised training for locals and assist them in securing high-value careers in the technology industry.
Where do you see investment opportunities for the private sector that would help to achieve the goals outlined in Tamkeen’s strategy cycle for 2021-25?
MOFEEZ: The current strategic cycle is focused on increasing economic impact and fostering greater productivity. The private sector can contribute significantly to attaining these targets by augmenting productivity through investment in human capital development. Consistent training and development will ensure that the workforce possesses the requisite skills to keep pace with evolving market dynamics. This will help organisations to maintain their competitiveness in the global economy. Investing in business enhancement through the adoption of technology, digital transformation and innovation is essential. These measures can boost the competitiveness of enterprises, allowing them to drive progress in their respective sectors and potentially emerge as significant disruptors.
The private sector needs to prioritise key industries that have the potential to transform the economy in line with the national strategic direction. It is important to explore opportunities for growth and expansion, both domestically and internationally, through avenues such as franchising, opening new branches, identifying new business lines, introducing new products and services to the market, and other growth paths, to achieve a more sustainable and resilient business model. Furthermore, private sector enterprises can benefit from policies that foster inclusivity and diversity, such as offering flexible work arrangements and equal opportunities to women. Female inclusion in the workplace has proven to be a powerful driver of economic productivity and growth.
How can technology and digitalisation aid in accelerating and streamlining bureaucratic procedures?
MOFEEZ: Technology and digitalisation are helping to speed up and streamline bureaucratic procedures in several ways. For example, the use of digital forms and online submission systems can simplify the job application procedure, reducing the time and effort required in the recruitment process.
Additionally, digital tools can be used to automate certain tasks and operations. This can create high-quality job opportunities for locals in fields such as data analysis and process automation. Overall, the adoption of technology and digitalisation in bureaucratic procedures can increase the efficiency and dynamism of job markets, resulting in more employment opportunities.
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