Integrated Strategy Urged To Train Youth For High-Tech Global Markets
Unified Push For Skilled GCC Workforce Pipeline
- GCC nations are poised to generate 2.5 million jobs in engineering, ICT, logistics, and healthcare by 2030
- National University undertakes strategic curriculum reforms to prepare youth for Fourth Industrial Revolution tools and advanced artificial intelligence
- The interim administration plans demand-driven supply chains alongside foreign language integration across technical training cen
A well-coordinated initiative involving universities, technical training institutes, industries, and the government is essential to transform Bangladeshi youth into a skilled workforce aligned with the engineering and technology demands of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. This observation was highlighted in a press release issued by the National University Public Relations Department on Friday, September 4.
The statement noted that stakeholders voiced their perspectives during a seminar titled "Bangladesh–GCC Workforce and Economic Outlook: Human Capital Opportunities, Market Prospects and the Roadmap for Bangladesh," organized by Arise Bangladesh Foundation at a capital hotel on Thursday night, September 3.
Addressing the session as special guest, National University Vice-Chancellor Professor A.S.M. Amanullah stated that evolving global economic dynamics have driven demand across GCC markets for skilled personnel in artificial intelligence, information technology, renewable energy, logistics, and healthcare systems. Equipping domestic youth with standardized engineering and technological proficiencies could address these market gaps effectively. To this end, National University has initiated the rollout of career development centres, foreign language training, soft skills instruction, and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) curricula across affiliated colleges. He underscored that Bangladesh must transition from supplying low-skilled labor to becoming a trusted destination for certified technical professionals.
Chief guest Mahdi Amin, Advisor to the Ministries of Education, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment, stated that retaining competitive global leverage requires phasing out unskilled migration in favor of a "demand-driven supply chain." He highlighted that technical institutes must design instructional modules strictly according to international market specifications. Addressing linguistic limitations, he revealed that foreign language modules are being integrated across Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and TVET polytechnic institutions, particularly focusing on opportunities in markets like Japan and South Korea. The National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) and relevant agencies are collaborating to standardize certification mechanisms.
Kaniz Fatema, Executive Director of Arise Bangladesh Foundation, presented a 10-year strategic roadmap alongside research findings. The analysis revealed that 81.6 percent of Bangladeshi workers currently migrating to the Middle East belong to the unskilled category. Conversely, GCC markets are projected to create approximately 2.5 million positions across engineering, ICT, advanced construction, and logistics domains by 2030, presenting a substantial economic window for certified talent.
//DBTech/BTO/NAP/SME//
