PMK ‘23: UniKL ignites ‘Gig Economy Action’ discourse

Two UniKL students took the stage at the recent Parlimen Mahasiswa Kebangsaan 2023 (PMK ’23), sharing a plan for the creation of a Student Gig Economy Action Plan. 

In a dynamic display of forward-thinking advocacy, these representatives illuminated a path that could potentially transform the nation’s academic and economic landscapes.

Zulkifri Zulkifli, the President of the UniKL Student Representative Council (USRC), took to the podium during the event’s third session, endorsing the visionary initiative presented by their counterparts from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). 

At the core of the proposal lies a strategic approach to leverage the vibrant potential of the gig economy to revolutionize education.

Zulkifri’s argument championed the concept of carving out dedicated time slots within the academic schedule, a practice inspired by the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) Co-Curricular activities framework. 

“Imagine a scenario where students can confidently venture into gig work without jeopardising their scholastic commitments,” he remarked, echoing the sentiments of many students seeking an innovative blend of education and real-world experience.

Following suit, Mohamad Haziq Osman, the second UniKL representative, brought forth a global perspective that illuminated the transformative potential of a gig economy-driven educational model. 

Drawing parallels from esteemed institutions like Boston University and DePaul School of Music, he showcased the diverse opportunities that the gig economy could offer in various fields, ranging from medical research to web development and graphic design.

“While the primary motivation for students engaging in gig activities is to earn supplementary income, the latent benefit lies in the enhancement of multifaceted skills,” Haziq asserted.

UniKL was represented by three delegates at PMK ’23: Zulkifri, Mohamad Haziq, and Syahminisa Nazri, who serves as an executive committee member of the Student Representative Committee (SRC) at UniKL Business School (UBIS).

The inaugural PMK ’23, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in collaboration with the Malaysian Parliament and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), spanned two days from August 25th to 26th, 2023. 

It emerged as an engaging platform for higher education students from both public and private institutions nationwide to dissect crucial topics. 

With 187 representatives from the National Student Representative Council (MPPK), Student Representative Council (MPP), and Student Unions in attendance, discussions revolved around the pillars of economy, welfare, student empowerment, and internationalisation.