Blockchain Talent Development from academy perspective in Creating Society IR4.0

The blockchain industry is facing a serious shortage of talents especially blockchain architect and developers, particularly the smart contract writers and auditors. Though the hype of cryptocurrencies and ICO has passed, big players are entering the blockchain business applications landscape and required a lot more blockchain developers.

According to Forbes, there has been an unparalleled demand for blockchain developers as legacy enterprises and crypto-focused startups look to build upon on the early-stage technology. IBM and Mastercard have already filed more than 80 patents each for blockchain-related technology, and companies are struggling to find sufficient talent to develop their initiatives.

Many governments also look into transforming the legacy industry into industry 4.0 by introducing AI, ML, and blockchain into economic planning. Therefore, we need to develop a lot more talents in blockchain technology. There are a few ways we can train more people to be blockchain savvy human capital, in a number of ways, like:

Government initiative

The government should take the initiative to produce more blockchain talents to prepare the nation for IR4.0. Though the Malaysia government has taken some initiative by running events for creating DLT and blockchain awareness via its many agencies such as MEDC, MAGIC, MIGHT, MIMOS, etc, its efforts are far from enough.

The Malaysian government needs to play a more active role in developing blockchain talents, I think we are left far behind many countries in this aspect. For example, SWAYAM, a learning initiative backed by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development, is offering a computer science course on Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Singapore government is offering courses and workshops in blockchain. The National University of Singapore (NUS) announced earlier this year that it is partnering with IBM to develop a curriculum around blockchain and distributed ledger technology.

I think an important step is to implement nationwide education by incorporating the blockchain syllabus in schools, colleges, and universities. We can design different syllabi to cater to a different level of education. For primary, we can teach them basic concepts which do not need programming skills, we can use methods such as role-playing games. For high school students, we can incorporate dlt and blockchain knowledge and programming in the IT or computer science syllabus.

The government should encourage or enforce institutions of higher learning to offer courses in blockchain and also set up R&D centers in the blockchain, by providing scholarships and research grants.

Governemnt+Private Collaboration

The government could initial blockchain talent development programs by partnering private entities such as corporations. It can do so via its agencies such as MDEC, MAGIC, MIDA, MITI, MIGHT, etc by providing grants as well as training staff and venues. E3hubs is planning to start an incubation hub with MDEC.

Corporation+ University initiative

Universities and corporations and join hand to conduct internship programs to churn out IT students that have skills in dlt and blockchain besides other software development skills.

One of the renown universities in China, Fudan University, has opened a blockchain research center.

Per the announcement, Fudan University established the Shanghai Blockchain Engineering Technology Research Center in collaboration with Zhongan Online Property Insurance Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Zhongren Information Technology Co., Ltd.

Fudan University established the Shanghai Blockchain Engineering Technology Research Center in collaboration with Zhongan Online Property Insurance Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Zhongren Information Technology Co., Ltd.

The center will purportedly carry out basic research on blockchain technology, demonstrate its application, as well as provide associated talent training. The establishment of the Shanghai Blockchain Engineering Technology Research Center will further promote the development and growth of the blockchain industry in Shanghai and purportedly facilitate the development of the Shanghai economy.

Other Chinese universities have also integrated blockchain into their scholarship programs. In January, in collaboration with blockchain payments firm Ripple, the Institute for Fintech Research at Beijing’s Tsinghua University (THUIFR) announced the Blockchain Technology Research Scholarship Program (BRSP). The program reportedly intends to bring together the best graduate students in China in 2019 to study global blockchain regulations and industry development.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Institute for Fintech Research at Tsinghua University joined Ripple’s global University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) — which was originally launched in June 2018 — that supports academic research, technical development and innovation in blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and digital payments.

In Malaysia, E3hubs has already partnered UTP in setting up a blockchain hub.

Corporate Initiative

Many companies invested in Corporate staff training programs for their employees to improve workforce productivity. For example, Tan Chong Motors has been running its staff development programs for years via Tan Chong Education Services and recently has included tech subjects such as AI/ML/IoT and blockchain to prepare itself to face the challenges of IR 4.0

Private Institutions

Data Smart PLT will offer courses in AL/ML/IoT and Blockchain. We have a highly qualifies blockchain trainer.

NGO and Associations:

NGOs should play an active role in promoting blockchain education Malaysia Blockchain Association, Acces Blockchain Malaysia, Crypto Valley Malaysia, Malaysian Mensa Society, Chambers of commerce, women who code

References

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