We stepped into the year 2021 with high hopes and newfound optimism, only to be slapped with a reality check that the pandemic is far from over. Many businesses and individuals have been impacted since the start of the pandemic and unemployment rate in Malaysia has gone up to 4.8 percent with 764,400 individuals unemployed as of November 2020, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. 

If you’re reading this and still have a steady job to go to everyday, give yourself a pat on the back. But if you have, in any way, been impacted by the pandemic-induced recession, chin up and toughen up - things will only get better if we choose not to be beaten down by this pandemic! 

We simply have to keep up to not get left behind. 

While we wait to ride out this pandemic, why not acquire new skill sets or increase your knowledge on subjects that could help you land the next in-demand job? 

In this digital era, especially when the growth of e-commerce and virtual businesses are accelerated exponentially by the global pandemic,  learning new digital skills and acquiring knowledge which the  current or future employer will appreciate is one smart way to stay ahead of the curve   

Redbeat Academy

Powered by airasia Digital and Google Cloud, Redbeat Academy offers online courses and tech workshops in the areas of Data, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, UX Design among others. 

Last year, Redbeat Academy received over 1,200 Allstars (employees) who enrolled to upskill and reskill themselves amidst the peak of the pandemic and various lock-downs. Allstars from various functions, including pilots, cabin crew, baggage handlers have completed their digital fundamental course and continued on with their respective tech paths.  

Why should we reskill and upskill ourselves? Here are some thoughts from our Allstars who are on their respective tech paths with Redbeat Academy.

Tech heroes of tomorrow

Wan Abdul Muiz, Assistant Security Officer upskilled to Cyber Security said, “There are many positive reasons behind the decision to upskill myself. It has been something I had my mind on since 2019, but due to unavoidable circumstances, I had to postpone it. So when I saw an opening for Redbeat Academy in 2020, I immediately grabbed it because not everyone gets a second chance - and here’s one staring right at me. On another note, it is high time all of us realise that the world is ever evolving, no matter what industry including in Information Technology, and if we don’t upskill ourselves, we will get left behind.” 

Lim Wei Lung, Flight Operations (Pilot) reskilled to Cyber Security said, “I’ve always wanted to venture into something else, I’m excited to be given this opportunity by AirAsia to reskill and upskill ourselves. For others who are also seeking to do the same, I urge you to come with an open heart and mind, and invest in knowledge as it pays the best interest for your future.” 

Mohamad Hazriq, Ramp Ground Operations reskilled to Data Analyst shared, “I embrace this one inspiring quote that I got from the internet to never stop learning no matter how old you are. Personally, I think that it is very important to always learn new things, whatever it may be, because knowledge is a virtue that makes us a better person. Thus, it was best for me to grab the opportunity to be a part of Redbeat Academy and further improve my skills as a data analyst.” 

Mohd Mustafa, Airport Partnership reskilled to Digital Marketing said, “I know the current environment requires a lot of technology. Things are always evolving, and it is important for me to stay relevant, hence I decided to reskill myself with the Digital Marketing path, and I look forward to be able to contribute to the company in that field in the near future.” 

Nabil Abdul Hamid, Contracts Engineering reskilled to UX Design said, “For me, reskilling and self development is important to ensure that my knowledge and skills are up to date and suitable for the fourth industrial revolution. So when Redbeat Academy announced their intake, I didn’t think twice and applied because it’s a good opportunity for me to reskill and stay relevant in today’s digital world.”

Sofia Yatid, Social Media reskilled to Data Analyst said, “Things change. I need to upgrade myself, if not, I’ll just become obsolete. Our first day of class, I think it was just like school, I was pretty nervous but I think it was really nice to see people of different ages and backgrounds being interested in the same thing.” 

Christine Low, Sales & Distribution Commercial reskilled to Data Analyst said, “When my colleagues shared that AirAsia offers reskilling opportunities for personal development through Redbeat Academy, I immediately went for it. To be honest, the idea of going back to school to learn about a whole new world can be daunting but it was easily overcome as I had my goals set in mind.”

Floi Gueco, Customer Happiness reskilled to Digital Marketing said, “It is quite a challenge working during the day and attending the course at night, but also developmental. The course outlines are well-curated, and I really enjoyed the energy from the academy trainers and how they inspire us to keep going and make the class more fun and enjoyable.” 

Amlan Chandra, Assistant Security Officer reskilled to Cyber Security said, “I have high expectations of learning new things. In this industry, we are growing digitally everyday. So without adapting, we cannot compete with others. Reskilling and upskilling is the best way to stay competitive and I am grateful that I can be part of the Redbeat Academy. I hope to use this new tech skill set to create something new for the company soon.”

Jim Chu Aun Wong, Flight Operations (Pilot) reskill with Cyber Security short courses said, “Admittedly, I have never paid attention to online safety and neglected the power of cybercriminals. When I started the course, it opened up my eyes to how dangerous Cybercriminals can be of their exploits. As the world is moving towards a more digital environment, I cannot see any reason why everyone should not be equipped with new digital skills such as Cyber Security to strengthen our knowledge in this field and encourage online safety. “ 

Time to reskill and upskill

When to start if not now? This is the time to upskill and reskill yourself with new digital skills to remain relevant in today’s world.   

Let’s embrace the digital age, stay agile and enhance ourselves in this new environment. Get a quick and easy start as Redbeat Academy is also now open to the public, visit redbeatacademy.com to find out more about available courses suited for everyone.