Tipu Munshi on jobs and skilled graduates from Commonwealth countries in the digital age
The commerce minister was addressing the Commonwealth of Learning Asian Convocation-2021
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi MP said graduates who have acquired skills in the Commonwealth Digital Learning program should be given job opportunities as today's competitive world trade has gone digital.
"As automation has been introduced everywhere, now there is no alternative to acquiring skills. E-commerce, data analysis, e-farming, and e-agriculture have gained popularity worldwide. We have to utilize the skilled manpower that has come up through training. This will benefit Commonwealth countries," he said.
The commerce minister made the remarks while addressing the Commonwealth of Learning Asian Convocation-2021 on a virtual platform held on Tuesday, said a press release.
Welcoming Commonwealth course graduates from all over the world, including Bangladesh, the minister said acquiring skills must be used successfully in the workplace with sincerity and should shape skilled entrepreneurs to generate employment in the digital sector.
Online training has created great potential for building skilled manpower in 54 Commonwealth countries. Students from Commonwealth countries have the opportunity to study at world-renowned universities and training institutes. This opportunity must be used appropriately, the minister added.
He said digital skills need to be mastered and utilized through partnerships. Online training on the Commonwealth Digital Learning Platform will create job opportunities for unemployed manpower.
A proposal on the subject at the forthcoming meeting of the Heads of States and Governments of Commonwealth countries may be presented for consideration, he suggested.
Tipu Munshi said Bangladesh is successfully tackling many challenges posed by the ongoing epidemic Covid-19. At present, the situation needs to be tackled on several fronts simultaneously by increasing economic cooperation and creating employment in Commonwealth countries.
Dr Ibrahim Hassan, Minister of Higher Education, Maldives, and Prof G L Peiris, Minister of Education, Sri Lanka, also spoke at the convocation.
Dr Naveed Malik, Special Adviser, Commonwealth of Learning, delivered the welcome remarks and Jeff Maggioncalda, Chief Executive Officer of Coursera, delivered the inaugural address.
Prof Asha Kanwar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth of Learning, delivered the convocation address, and Dr Basheer Hamad Shadrach, Adviser (Skill), Commonwealth of Learning, thanked participants.