Malaysia Aviation Group Offers Employees the Opportunity to Reskill for a Better Future

Even in the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation, Malaysia Airlines has recently introduced MH EDGILE. This is the airline’s upskilling and reskilling programme for employees. The programme’s concept is to build individual competitive edge and be agile to drive operational sustainability.

More than 2000 employees are eligible for the programme. The programme is mainly for pilots, cabin crew and other front-line community. Due to the current reduced network and operational capacity, these roles are currently unavailable. MH EDGILE provides opportunities for the employees to upskill and reskill for other job competencies. The range from either specialized competency such as Facilities Management and Audit. Or general and trainable areas such as Sales and IT Helpdesk.

Most importantly, the programme enables employees to lend their expertise and services to support the long-term business sustainability of the company. Additionally, they may explore new avenues to grow and develop their potential in MAG. Subject to approval, these group of employees will be temporarily re-assigned. They will lend their support to other departments that require a workforce for critical roles or job functions.

Focus on the Employees

Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Captain Izham Ismail said, “With the pandemic still showing little sign of improvement, forcing some airlines to halt operations and ground almost fleet, it is important for us to prepare our workforce with new skill sets to become more efficient in their current roles or shift into emerging positions as well as to support the business goals. This is the perfect time for the staff to reinvent themselves.”

This initiative is only for volunteers and subject to job pre-requisites and selection criteria of the receiving department. All assignments will be on a full-time basis; however, employees still receive encouragement to maintain their job license validity. The period of the interim assignment will be dependent on the company’s business and operational requirements. Approved employees will gain knowledge and new skill sets through coaching. They will also undergo training to prepare for the new role.

Transforming Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines Berhad’s Group Chief Human Capital Officer, Dato’ Mohd Khalis Abdul Rahim said, “We are on our journey to transform MAG employees into a future workforce. They will be adaptable to new challenges and ready for what lies ahead of us in the post-COVID-19 world. At MAG, we strongly believe in developing talents and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Above all, this culture allows us to drive the long-term business sustainability of the Group.

We are embracing the Lean and Agile work culture and digitalisation simultaneously. We wish to take full advantage of the opportunities the new norm has to offer. Therefore, improving work qualities and amplifying learning are central to success.”

Embracing New Technology

The pace of the next era of technology is rapidly evolving and continue to revolutionise how the businesses operate. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal. This has resulted in an accelerated digitalisation adoption. Employees lacking in technology skills would find it difficult to survive in the digital era. Therefore, recognising the need for a robust agile and digital workforce, the airline is pushing to strengthen its’ focus by leveraging on technology.

Given the above situation, Malaysia Airlines introduced various initiatives to prepare the airline’s digital workforce and instil the digital culture. These were via virtual learning series called Re: Imagine Work Series, Lean and Agile training, MAG Learning Hub, INSPIRE e-learnings and many other initiatives. Above all, these are done to encourage positive growth mindset while encouraging all employees to be innovative within the organisation.

In embracing the new normal, MAG has embarked on a brand new journey. With the new MAG Way of Working in mid of 2020, it will provide employees with the opportunity to transform. They will also become pioneers of the future for the aviation industry, effortlessly online within the remote environment.

Employee wellbeing at the forefront

During these extraordinary times, the Group has proactively taken steps to ensure the well-being of our employees. It introduced the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in March 2020. The EA was created to firstly to provide employees with a holistic (Mental, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual) support system. Secondly, to provide knowledge, tools and insights into being well, especially during difficult times. Under EAP, the Group has arranged several initiatives to encourage continuous communications and engagements in adapting to the new working norm.

In September this year, the Group partnered with Agensi Kaunseling Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), in collaboration with financial institutions to provide financial counselling and literacy such as building entrepreneurial mindset and opportunities, investment opportunities and digital programs and GIG Economy. To nurture the digital workforce and adapting to the new normal, all programmes are digitally designed.

Digital App for Mental Health

The airline has also launched the MHeart app in collaboration with Naluri life. It is a 24/7 digital platform for psychological, counselling and health management support for employees. The app has with real coaches, physicians, psychologist and counsellors. From there, they will receive daily, personalised coaching and advice to better cope with the new norm. With the mantra “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”, the app seeks to encourage a healthy lifestyle. In conclusion, the app’s goal is a direct positive impact on the mental well-being of our employees.

Visit the Malaysian Airlines website for more information.