Wamen Nezar Patria Advocates Developing Digital Triathletes to Keep Pace with Transformation

Jakarta, INTI - The global digital transformation has reshaped the landscape of digital talent supply and demand. By 2025, the world will require 149 million workers with digital skills to keep up with the pace of digital transformation.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Nezar Patria, stated that governments worldwide are currently striving to address the issue of digital skills gaps. One of the efforts involves developing key competencies akin to digital triathletes.

"The world is predicted to face a shortage of digital skills globally, with over 60% of recruiters worldwide reporting difficulties in finding quality digital talent," he revealed at the opening of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Digital Transformation Center (DTC) 2024 Workshop in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on Tuesday (14/05/2024).

To tackle this challenge, Wamen Nezar Patria urges each country to prepare digital talents with three key competencies or digital triathletes, namely digital strategists, digital innovators, and digital drivers.

"Firstly, digital strategists who possess the ability to respond to market trends with vision and significant impact. Secondly, digital innovators who can drive innovation based on data. And thirdly, digital drivers who have the ability to initiate strategic collaborations with strong agility," he explained.

Wamenkominfo believes that these skills are necessary to pursue digital transformation. It's not surprising that many government leaders are striving to prepare human resources with the skills and competencies needed.

"The top professions in the next five years will require high digital competencies, such as AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Robotics Engineers, and Database Architects. Currently, the government's challenge relates to efforts to retain existing digital talent," he expressed.

According to Wamen Nezar Patria, if this challenge remains unresolved, there will be 85 million unfilled jobs by 2030. Therefore, conducting workshops is highly relevant to provide input and recommendations in digital transformation development.

"I am confident that this event will provide valuable input for us in drafting strategic plans to prepare human resources in the digital sector," he hoped.

Previously, Wamenkominfo welcomed and appreciated the delegates attending the workshop, the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology with ITU, Indosat, and Cisco.

"We are very proud and honored to have been selected to host this important event. I would also like to express my appreciation to all parties for their collaboration and support in making this event a success," he expressed.

At the opening ceremony, Wamenkominfo Nezar Patria was accompanied by the Head of HRD Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Hary Budiarto. Also present were Susan Teltscher, Head of Digital Capacity and Skills Development Division ITU, Vikram Sinha, President Director & Chief Executive Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, and Marina Kacaribu, Country Managing Director of Cisco Indonesia.