Myanmar is a country endowed with vast natural resources in terms of abundance of fertile soil, rivers, flora and fauna and a vast array of minerals and hydrocarbon resources.However most economists will agree that more than the natural resources of the country, it’s the human resources or the people who will ultimately define the growth potential and eventual growth of the country.

It thus becomes imperative to check whether the government and private institutes have the required infrastructure for training.One of the biggest concern areas is the shortage of quality trainers especially in vocational and skill development sectors. It gets difficult to get good trainers, because technological changes are taking place at break neck speed, whereas the trainers are getting updated at snails speed.

As countries like Myanmar transition from agrarian to industrial economy, there is a need to set up Vocational Skill Development Centers across cities and towns with reasonable population of youth willing to learn and make a professional and profitable career.
It is also important that the Government of Myanmar, both Union and Regional Governments, provide support in areas of infrastructure development, sponsorship of Train the Trainer programs, monetary support to students and setting up of employment exchanges where qualifying students can apply for jobs.

In order to leverage the demographic dividend and create opportunities for the youth in terms of employment and rising income levels, development of vocational training and skill development is the most effective tool for Myanmar. As a part of the ASEAN community, Myanmar stands to gain significantly by not only employing skilled labour and exporting quality goods and services, but can also earn foreign exchange.

– Mr. Sourav Daspatnaik, Director, Global Protek & Board Member, National HRD Network