ICT skill among Labuan’s SMEs: issues and challenges

The rapid growth of ICT presents both perpetual opportunities and challenges to SMEs. ICT serves as a
competitive tool for SMEs provided they have the necessary skills and knowledge to embrace it. However,
due to the growth characteristic of ICT, skills shortages will remain as an issue haunting SMEs.
Continuous staff training is the way out, however many SMEs are reluctant to train their workforce. Issues
and barriers pertaining to skills development were reviewed by referencing previous studies undertaken.
The paper highlights ICT skill challenges facing SMEs in Labuan. Among the focus of investigation are;
usage of computers, current training provision, awareness and attitudes toward ICT and training, areas for
ICT training and support needs. The paper concludes by outlining several suggestions to improve on ICT
skills development among SMEs in Labuan.