Workers in Malaysia are more interested in learning new skills than securing higher pay or career advancement, according to a global survey by recruitment provider Kelly Services.

Kelly Services in a statement today said the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) found almost two-thirds (64 percent) of workers in Malaysia said gaining new skills would interest them more than higher pay or career advancement.

“That compares with 55 percent in Singapore, 62 percent in China and 74 percent in Thailand. At the same time, 43 percent of workers in Malaysia said in terms of advancement their immediate career goal was to develop new skills,” the statement added.

It said 43 percent of employees in Malaysia agreed that they have the opportunity to grow their career at their current company.

This was well above the global average (35 percent) and also better than the results reported in other countries in the region such as Singapore (34 percent), Hong Kong (33 percent) and Australia (27 percent).

The KGWI canvassed responses from approximately 230,000 people across 31 countries including more than 3,000 in Malaysia.

The statement also quoted Kelly Services Malaysia managing director Kamal Karanth as saying skills are the new currency when it comes to retaining workers.

“By keeping staff engaged and driving job-related education, employers can create a sense of advancement and loyalty while workers can enhance their wage-earning value by being ready for the roles of the future,” he added.

- Bernama