Written by Winston Poq Anak Linggam
On May 20, 2025, the Industrial Relations and Employment (IREC) organised an engaging talk titled “Harmonious Industrial Relations: From Government Bodies to Private Entities – Leadership Transformation in Trade Unions”. The event took place on Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Dewan Syarahan, PITAS UNIMAS, bringing together second and third-year Industrial Relations and Employment Programme (IREP) students in an enriching educational environment.
The seminar provided students with practical insights into Malaysia’s labour landscape, focusing on the effects of privatization on workers and the evolving role of trade unions. It highlighted the importance of adaptable leadership in maintaining industrial harmony during organizational change, with labour law reforms serving as a key theme for students in industrial relations and human resources.
Tuan Haji Mohamad Ibrahim shared his experience as a union leader during the privatization of Telekom Malaysia, a major event in the country’s labour history. Drawing from his involvement with UTES, he outlined the challenges unions face in restructuring strategies and engaging members during privatization. He also discussed key legislation, including the Industrial Relations Act 1967, the Trade Unions Act 1959, and recent amendments aimed at modernizing industrial law.
The seminar addressed current issues facing Malaysian trade unions, such as the legal status of gig workers, the presence of multiple unions in the same sectors, and the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on employment. Tuan Haji Mohamad Ibrahim emphasized the need for innovative leadership strategies in responding to these changes. He also stressed that genuine industrial harmony is built on fairness, justice, and open communication, not merely the absence of conflict.
Interactive segments throughout the seminar allowed students to engage directly with the speaker, asking pertinent questions about topics ranging from effective bargaining techniques to understanding how privatization affects employee job security and professional development.
The event successfully provided students with a deeper understanding of trade union leadership dynamics and the critical role of adaptability in maintaining industrial harmony during organizational transformations. This seminar reinforced IREC’s commitment to delivering comprehensive educational experiences that prepare students for the evolving challenges in Malaysia’s industrial relations landscape.
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