[Podcast] Computers and “Not Going Alone” Technology – Part 2: Portrait of Gen Z, Version 5.0 – The Main Workforce of the Super-Smart Society

Era 5.0 – The era of a super-intelligent society - is what will happen and the timeline is very close: 2035 or maybe earlier. “The rise of a series of super technologies” – “Enhancing human-machine interaction” – “human-centered” are the “hot” keywords when referring to this period. Keeping up with the trend of the times, UEH does believe that: More than ever, administrators and leaders in the fields of Business, Economics, Law, State Management, Data, and Communication need to understand and know how apply Computers and Technology in his/her professions and majors. This is the motivation for UEH to deploy the series of Computer and Technology application knowledge series “Don't go alone” with 5 attractive parts in accordance with the participation of the leading experts.

Super-intelligent Era 5.0 – “The rise of a series of super technologies” – “Enhancing human-machine interaction” – “human-centered”

Possessing approximately 30 years of experience in the field of human resource management in multinational companies and more than 15 years as a Human Resources Director, Mr. Bui Quang Vinh gave Gen Z the folloiwng advices regarding 02 skill groups: Technical skill Team associated with business and soft skill Team in part 2 of the series regarding Computer and Technology application knowledge series titled "Don't go alone".

Mr. Bui Quang Vinh - HR expert - presenting the theme Portrait of Gen Z version 5.0: Main Workforce of Super-Smart Society

Technology 5.0 refers to a new trend in the way that we interact with technology, in which humans and machines cooperate in a relatively natural and synchronous manner. To be ready for Technology 5.0, Gen Z should consider the following skills:

Specialized Technical Skill Group

Technical skillset for Gen Z in the 5.0 Period

*Programming skills

Programming skills are one of the most important skills in the era of technology 5.0. Understanding programming will help you understand how systems work and interact with them. Learning to program is learning how to put into a computer for the purpose of how to solve problems together with the inherent computing and storage power of computers. The computer will follow the instructions exactly; therefore, learning programming is the way to train logical thinking, very good problem-solving skills for users. In the future, information technology and computer applications will be present anywhere in any job. Programming skills will gradually become essential skills, all jobs in one society will require candidates to have a certain understanding of programming.

*Data management skills

With the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices, data management becomes an important factor. IoT creates a network of links between physical objects so that they can exchange information and perform tasks without human intervention. IoT devices can communicate and interact with each other to collect data, to transmit information and to perform actions. Examples of IoT applications could be smart home systems (where devices listed as lights, air conditioners, security cameras and audio systems) can be controlled remotely via smartphones. In the medical field, IoT can be used to monitor the patients’ health and transmit the information to medical facilities. In industry, IoT can be applied to monitor and to control manufacturing processes, to enhance efficiency and to save energy. Gen Z should learn to understand and to manage data effectively to take advantage of the opportunities and to face the challenges of technology 5.0.

*Skills in data analysis and artificial intelligence

With the increasing ability to integrate data and artificial intelligence into 5.0 technology systems, Gen Z should be able to understand and to apply the basic concepts regarding analyzing data and artificial intelligence. Through analyzed business data, we can optimize business operations, including assessing current business models, identifying the most effective ways in delivering products, assigning jobs, transferring personnel, planning costs and so on.

Soft Skill Group

Gen Z’ Soft Skills Group needs to be equipped as follows:

*Critical and creative thinking skills

Technology 5.0 requires critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Gen Z needs to learn to ask questions, to find creative solutions, and to think to face new challenges.

Critical thinkers are often able to:

• Understand the logical coherence between points of view;

• Identify, develop and evaluate arguments;

• Find common inconsistencies and errors in reasoning;

• Solve problem systematically;

• Identify the relevance and the importance of ideas;

• Consider the reasoning and the correctness in other people’ opinions and beliefs.

Critical thinking does not simply imply the information accumulation. Good critical thinkers are able to infer consequences from what they know and to use the information to solve problems and to find relevant sources of information so as to increase their understanding of one problem or one subject. Don’t confuse critical thinking with arguing or criticizing others. While critical thinking skills can be used to point out the shortcomings and the mistakes in arguments, these skills play an important role in creating sound and constructive arguments. Critical thinking helps us to acquire knowledge, to increase our understanding of known theories, to strengthen our reasoning and to improve our efficiency in work and problem solving.

*Communication and cooperation skills

In the 5.0 technology environment, the ability to communicate effectively and to work in a team becomes an important factor. Gen Z should develop communication skills in addition to the ability to work in teams and to cooperate with machines and other people. The world has been promoting the application of new technologies. In 2022, an estimated 85% of global enterprises tend to expand the application of big data technology. Similarly, there is a large percentage of businesses that expand the application of technologies listed as the Internet of Things, markets that support Web applications, cloud computing, virtual reality and so on. The lack of cooperation skills with machines will be the barriers to Gen Z’ career progression.

*Multilingual and multicultural skills

With the technological development, the world becomes more and more connected. Gen Z needs to be able to work and to communicate in a multilingual and multicultural environment. Some cultures have a very distinctive way of behaving, which might be considered as an inappropriate behavior or an insult in another culture. Each culture has different strengths and weaknesses. One crucial thing during communication in a multicultural environment is that participants need to adapt to the environment.

Gen Z’ soft skills group needs to be equipped as follows

*Time management skill and flexible thinking

Along with the rapid pace of technology development, Gen Z needs to be able to manage time effectively and to adapt towards the rapid changes in the work environment. Without good time management skills, you will waste your own time and affect many others. Consequently, you need to clearly define the important work, to prioritize to complete it before the deadline or to avoid overload. Gen Z needs to know how to apply their knowledge, skills, and experience to their work to bring better results. You must apply it to collect, to analyze and to use information, to make decisions, and to collaborate with others for the purpose of solving problems, contributing ideas, and improving yourself.

*Security and privacy protection skills

With the rise of personal data and privacy issues, Gen Z needs to understand the fundamental knowledge of Internet security and privacy. Each individual’s right to privacy is recognized and protected by the constitution: any act that violates privacy rights must be held accountable in accordance with the law. Therefore, Gen Z needs to master all these regulations so as to avoid troubles affecting their work in progress.

In response to technology 5.0, Gen Z should develop a combination of technical skills, creative thinking, interoperability and soft skills.

Author: Bui Quang Vinh - HR expert

This is an article in the series of articles spreading research and applied knowledge from UEH with “Research Contribution For All – Nghiên Cứu Vì Cộng Đồng” message, UEH cordially invites dear readers to look forward to the upcoming Knowledge Newsletter ECONOMY #78.

News, photos: Author, UEH Department of Marketing and Communication