The issue of short-term thinking or job hopping should not be viewed solely as a failure, but rather as a reflection of today’s dynamic and evolving labour market, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Awang Haji Mohamad.
The minister said this during the ninth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) in response to a question raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed regarding the ministry’s efforts in addressing the issue of some youth being perceived as avoiding jobs that require high levels of discipline, as well as the tendency towards short-term career thinking or job hopping.
The minister added that this issue cannot be addressed by any single party working in isolation but requires a whole-of-nation approach. One of the initiatives implemented is through character-building programmes, particularly the National Service Programme (PKBN) and the Character Development Programme (PJD), which have proven effective in transforming youth character, encompass-ing strong discipline, religious values, communication ethics, and building high levels of resilience before entering the workforce.
Through strategic collaboration with the JobCentre Brunei and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), the PJD programme that focuses on iSkill students, has successfully developed their mental and physical readiness to work in challenging technical fields.
The success profiles of participants demonstrate that this is a highly worthwhile in-vestment in human capital, producing competitive and resilient youth capable of long-term commitment.
However, the ministry emphasises that the issue of workplace resilience or staff retention does not rest solely on the shoulders of youth, he added.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi said that employers must also play an active role in providing a healthy and conducive work environment, free from toxic practices or exploitation that could demotivate young workers and to ensure sustained commitment, employers are encouraged to treat employees as valuable assets by offering fair compensation, appropriate incentives, and continuous training.
This effort is further strengthened through the Youth Development Centre (PPB), which provides specialised skills training.
He shared that data from 2022 to 2024 showed that the employability rate of PPB graduates stands at 84.5 per cent, demonstrating that Brunei’s youth are ready to take on skilled job challenges when given the right platform.
Beyond the formal job market, the ministry is also empowering entrepreneurship through platforms such as the BizBelia Scheme where since its launch on August 16, the scheme has received 36 applications and is reinforced with mentoring elements through strategic partners such as DARe and Shell LiveWIRE. ensuring that young entrepreneurs develop sustainable business visions.
Overall, the ministry remains fully committed to these efforts. However, success requires an integrated approach involving the government, youth and employers, the minister said.
He added, “With strong character development and supportive, fair working environments, Brunei’s youth will be better prepared to build impactful long-term careers in line with the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.”
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
