Future challenges require holistic preparation to produce resilient workers capable of adapting and adopting to the rapid changes in the world economy. The post-normal pace brings about rapid and simultaneous changes, creating uncertainty. Failing to respond appropriately to these challenges can lead to problems.

My thought focuses on human capital development during industrial technological-driven times (IR 4.0). Are we prepared to face this challenge?

Human capital is a critical social indicator for governments in planning growth and sustaining the country’s economic pace. A highly skilled workforce is an important national asset that needs to be enriched and protected. With the disruption of AI, robotics, and advanced internet technology (IoT), it is essential to train more highly skilled local employees to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0).

The IR 4.0 era is a dimension of work with cognitive capabilities widely used across industry sectors. The impact of this wave creates new safety and health risks that differ significantly from previous conventional risks. Previously, the focus was more on the physical aspects of the workplace, but now, it includes the mental and psychosocial aspects of employees. The “great reset” brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic has further emphasized remote work and flexible time arrangements, while industries increasingly rely on AI, IoT, and robotics technology. This poses a challenge in providing human capital capable of keeping up with this fast-paced phenomenon, forcing the entire world to enter a new and challenging time.

The progression and implementation of the occupational safety and health agenda within the IR 4.0 context are challenging. For example, employees are engaged in high-order thinking to make decisions and need to familiarize themselves with high-end technology, integrating existing conventional work skills with advanced computer and IT processes.