The world is on the brink of a revolutionary technological shift in the near future.
However, as automation technologies such as robotics and machine learning play an increasingly significant role in the workforce, business leaders are not yet ready for this giant transformation.
“More than 80 per cent of today’s jobs, including legal services, human resources, transportation and others, will be significantly affected by automation technologies,” said Mr Mohammed Amin, senior vice president-META at US-listed software firm Dell EMC.
“Some jobs will be either eliminated or exist as different kinds of jobs.”
There are several aspects and challenges to consider to enable and prepare for this type of transformation, added Mr Amin.
“We are entering an era of enormous change that will fundamentally alter how businesses function. Changes are happening so fast and sometimes we are a bit behind,” he said. “The workforce not being ready for [such] digital transformation has been identified as one of the major obstacles.”
Key industry sectors likely to be affected by digital transformation and robotics include education, transportation, human resources, logistics or supply chain, customer service troubleshooting, marketing and communication, Mr Amin said.
Dell Technologies, part of the US-headquartered conglomerate, helps customers, including in the Middle East, to accelerate their digital transformation strategies. A recent survey of 3,800 business leaders and employees globally, including in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, suggested that many jobs across the world will be replaced by robots by 2030.
Almost all (96 per cent) of survey respondents said their organisations would replace some element of manpower with automation by 2030. Yet companies are entering the era of automation with a divided vision of the future, Dell said.
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“As organisations prepare to enter this next era of human and machine partnership, business leaders are torn between two extreme perspectives about the future,” M Amin said.
“Some of them are optimistic while others are worried about the future. This would make it difficult for organisations to prepare for digital transformation, hampering business leaders’ efforts to handle fast-changing technological transformation.”
Mr Amin also stressed the importance of changing learning patterns and methods to adapt to the era of digital transformation.
A total of 85 per cent of jobs that will exist globally in 2030 have not yet been invented, the survey found, and 63 per cent of respondents said they believed schools will need to teach students how, rather than what, to learn, to prepare them for future jobs.
“Those jobs do not yet exist. Therefore, students need to be well prepared for the next era,” Mr Amin said.
Robotics and machines will take over many jobs, he explained, requiring businesses to prepare their human workforce to become more creative and innovative.
A total of 43 per cent of those surveyed said business leaders need to set up a chief artificial intelligence unit to supervise human-machine partnerships to accelerate digital transformation.
“Most business leaders in the region are uncertain of how the next 10 to 15 years will look like, and are struggling to cope with the rapid pace of change,” Mr Amin said.
“A large majority are looking at embracing change and new technologies in their digital business plans for the next five years. It is becoming increasingly clear that businesses can either transform their IT, workforce, and security and play a defining role in the future or be left behind."
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.