Connecting the Dots: Nurturing Students for a Future-ready Global Workforce

Abstract

COVID-19 has changed and hardened the world. Just on the “Future of Jobs”, in its 2020 Report, the World Economic Forum estimates that 85 million jobs may be taken over by machines by 2025, while 97 million new ones may emerge, but requiring adaption between humans, machines and algorithms (World Economic Forum, 2020). Furthermore, while the usual 21st century skills of critical-thinking, analysis, problem-solving, technology use and development are still in high demand, the Report highlights added emphasis in self-management skills (active learning, resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility) and working with people abilities (leadership and social influence). In essence, the pandemic is challenging education worldwide to nurture students into future ready graduates who can function well, physically and virtually, in a globally connected world where material contact may not be always possible, and the switch to working virtually with peoples of different cultures can be sudden and prolonged. (Abstract taken from first paragraph of document)