Hello Mentor EP10 | Finding Your Way In An Uncertain Job Market

Initially released in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Derek spoke to industry leaders to help job seekers navigate employment during uncertain times.

By Aqilah Naqlis on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM

Updated on 2025-03-14 at 2:03 AM

About the episode

In this episode of the Hello Mentor podcast, host Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly, tackles one of the most pressing challenges of 2020: navigating an uncertain job market. Originally released in June 2020, the episode brought together industry experts from Malaysia to offer practical advice to job seekers during the turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Derek was joined by Dato’ Ng Wan Peng (COO of MDEC), Dawn Seng (Head of Elite and Premier Academy at AIA), and Siew Mee (Managing Director of 2X). Together, they provided valuable insights into how the pandemic affected industries and shared strategies for staying resilient in tough times.

Getting to know the guests

Dato’ Ng Wan Peng, Chief Operating Officer, MDEC

Dato’ Ng Wan Peng is no stranger to anyone in the ICT business in Malaysia. After graduating from Universiti Sains Malaysia in the nineties, she joined SAPURA as a systems engineer where she moved up the ranks as project manager, and program manager before leaving to join MDEC (previously known as Multimedia Development Corporation) in 1999.

Since then she has been a core and pioneer member of MDEC initiatives. Today, as the COO, she is responsible for strategic execution of MDEC’s initiatives to support the digital economy, including:

  1. Attracting investors, globalising local tech champions
  2. Catalysing industry-driven digital ecosystem
  3. Building critical enablers of the digital economy
  4. Driving inclusive adoption of technology.

Dawn Seng, Head of Elite and Premier Academy, AIA

Dawn has 15 years of experience in quality recruitment, leadership development , sales competencies development & human resources development in MNC. Dawn is strategic and result oriented.

She demonstrates expertise in managing a wide range of learning and development strategies, including competency model, training need analysis, training curriculums development and delivery, program evaluation and talents development.

Siew Mee, Managing Director, 2X

Siew Mee heads the firm’s operations, and manages, magically, to make running a startup look easy. She is a big believer in developing people, having a track record of managing large teams with below 2% attrition rate.

Prior to 2X, she was the VP of Global Marketing at Quintiq—now Dassault Systèmes—where she oversaw 30% year-over-year-growth and developed an off-shore marketing services function supporting 16 independent global business units. It’s rumored that Siew Mee doesn’t sleep.

Key Takeaways for Job Seekers

Be Flexible and Open to Change
The job market is evolving rapidly, and industries like digital technology and financial services are leading the way. Explore opportunities in sectors that align with current trends.

Develop In-Demand Skills

  • Focus on skills like digital marketing, data analytics, and collaboration tools, which are highly sought after in today’s economy.
  • Platforms like Coursera and Hiredly offer resources to help you upskill quickly.

Enhance Your Personal Branding

  • Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with relevant certifications and projects.
  • Take the Work Personality Test to discover roles that match your strengths and career aspirations.

Be Persistent and Proactive

  • Companies are looking for candidates who go the extra mile, whether it’s taking additional courses, building a portfolio, or showing curiosity about their industry.

Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring individuals who are accomplished in their own rights.

Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.

Check out all our episodes on Spotify for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who have been there!

Discover your next career opportunity with Hiredly, where top employers meet talent through tailored job matches and expert resources.

By Aqilah Naqlis on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM