Businesses urged to accelerate investments in AI, digital skills

Karachi - Business leaders in Pakistan are being urged to rapidly boost investments in digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure their workforce remains competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Speaking at a recent event, Shahrukh Masood, Chief People Officer at Martin Dow Group, emphasized that this transformation must extend beyond technical proficiencies to foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication abilities, which are less susceptible to automation.

Masood highlighted that organizations need to focus on ongoing learning and skill enhancement, preparing employees for shifting workplace expectations. He stressed that the future of work is transitioning from job titles to a focus on adaptable skills, digital competencies, and flexibility. AI is expected to play a central role in the workplace, driving up productivity.

However, Pakistan risks lagging behind globally if it fails to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and employability demands, such as critical thinking, communication, digital fluency, problem-solving, and adaptability.

The expert argued that Pakistan possesses a young, dynamic workforce, but it currently lacks the necessary preparation. Masood called for a fundamental overhaul in education design and delivery, integrating more practical application, critical thinking, communication, technological skills, and problem-solving into university curricula. Simultaneously, businesses must engage earlier with educational institutions through internships, apprenticeships, industry projects, mentoring, and real-world exposure.

He also pointed out AI's potential to democratize access to high-quality education and career guidance, particularly for young individuals who may be disadvantaged by a lack of traditional networking and mentoring opportunities. Masood stressed that AI should be viewed as a workforce transformation issue rather than merely an IT concern, requiring organizations to determine which jobs and tasks will change, which skills will become more valuable, and where reskilling is needed.

Furthermore, he called for fostering a culture of continuous learning, encouraging employees to share ideas, challenge established practices, experiment, and learn from mistakes. Unlike static training, this learning extends beyond formal programs to encompass hands-on experience and professional growth.

Looking at the UAE's approach, Masood noted the value of investing deliberately in talent, technology, international exposure, and diverse workforces. Pakistan can learn from the UAE's experience while developing workforce models tailored to the country's unique economic, social, and business environment. He emphasized the need to embrace diversity of thought, international experience, and non-linear career paths.