KUALA LUMPUR: Johary Mustapha, Founder and CEO of Forest Interactive, joined the UN Global Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) Living Wage Roundtable , titled “Wages of Progress: Fostering a Thriving Malaysian Workforce through Living Wages,” on October 2, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur.
The event brought together leaders from the private sector, key government ministries, and industry organizations such as the Ministry of Human Resources and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) to discuss the critical role of living wages in shaping Malaysia’s economic and social landscape. Prominent private sector participants included representatives from Maybank, QSR Brands, and Velesto Energy Berhad. Discussions centered around the importance of implementing living wage policies in Malaysia, with a focus on how businesses can lead in supporting sustainable wages that ensure a decent standard of living for workers and their families.
Attendees engaged in dialogues on the economic benefits of paying living wages, such as increased productivity, reduced turnover, and strengthened market performance, all while contributing to national economic growth and social equity. The event marks a crucial step towards fostering collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in ensuring fair wages and improving the livelihoods of Malaysian workers.
The aim of the Living Wage Roundtable was to facilitate an in-depth discussion on the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing living wage policies in Malaysia. Forest Interactive, represented by Johary, emphasized the importance of viewing living wages not just as a tool for addressing inequality but as a strategic investment in workforce sustainability and business performance. Johary highlighted several key challenges, including the potential short-term financial impacts on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the complexity of implementing living wages across diverse roles and regions.
During the discussion, Johary suggested solutions such as profit-sharing schemes and the integration of data analytics to optimize compensation planning. He also underscored the need for phased implementation to manage financial impact while showcasing the long-term benefits of living wages, including enhanced employee retention, productivity, and brand reputation.
Forest Interactive’s participation reinforced the company’s commitment to driving positive change and fostering collaboration among businesses and policymakers to advance living wage equity among SMEs and within the tech industry.
“At Forest Interactive, we believe that implementing living wages goes beyond simply addressing inequality; it is a strategic investment in our talent and our future. By fostering a more satisfied and productive workforce, we are not only driving long-term success for our business but also contributing to the broader growth of the Malaysian economy,” states Johary Mustapha, Founder and CEO of Forest Interactive
Through this event, Forest Interactive shows its dedication to the importance of these issues. This event served as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing the cause of living wages in Malaysia. By bringing together leaders from various sectors, the event highlighted the collective responsibility to ensure fair compensation for all workers. As the discourse around living wages continues, the insights shared during this roundtable will play a crucial role in shaping policies that promote equity and sustainability within the Malaysian workforce.
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About Forest Interactive
Founded in 2006, Forest Interactive develops scalable mobile platforms to connect mobile operators with their subscribers. With over 18 years of industry experience, Forest Interactive has expanded to include a diverse workforce of 20+ nationalities in 7 regional offices.
Delivering content subscription services, service delivery platforms, digital vouchers, ecommerce platforms, and mobile apps for all ages, Forest Interactive operates in 30+ countries, servicing 90+ mobile operators and 100+ content partners with the capacity to reach over one billion subscribers worldwide.
Visit forest-interactive.com to learn more.
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