The Most Valuable Skill

In a world increasingly dominated by automation and algorithms, the most valuable skill isn’t coding, data analysis or multitasking it’s the ability to keep learning while embracing the human side that involves empathy, senses and emotion.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in its 2024 report, “Falling Through the Cracks: Skilling and Reskilling for Job Transitions,” highlights that millions of workers especially in developing economies remain excluded from formal reskilling programs. Why? Because many systems continue to assess “readiness” based on degrees, test scores or language proficiency, rather than curiosity, adaptability or the desire.

Let’s consider a familiar story, about a middle-aged technician from a small town we'll call him Budi who had spent over twenty years maintaining machines in the hospitality industry. When his company shut down during the pandemic, he lost not only his job but also his sense of direction.

Like many others, he looked for opportunities to retrain himself. Online courses, digital bootcamps and even free government-supported training programs were everywhere. But most seemed aimed at younger, tech-savvy learners with fluent English and familiarity with digital systems.

At first, he felt left behind. But gradually, he started learning in his own way borrowing a used laptop from a friend, joining small online communities and watching short video tutorials at night after dinner. He began helping neighbors promote their small food stalls online. What started as trial and error turned into quiet confidence.

Months later, he wasn’t just learning digital tools he was relearning how to learn, rediscovering the simple joy of curiosity and purpose. He once said, “Maybe I’ll never get a certificate for this, but I finally understand how learning can make me feel alive again.”

What Budi’s Story Teaches Us
Budi’s experience reflects what UNESCO (2023) and the OECD Future of Education Report (2024) emphasize: the future of work and learning depends not only on technical skills but also on meta-skills, self-awareness, adaptability, empathy and learning agility. Learning is no longer solely about academic achievement. It’s about reigniting curiosity, understanding ourselves and finding meaning in how we grow and help others grow.

1. Redefine the meaning of “qualified”.

Experience, curiosity, and persistence are just as important as formal credentials. Learning can take place anywhere, whether in a café or a community WhatsApp group, not only in classrooms.

2. Practice meta-skills daily.

Empathy, adaptability, and reflection are our true advantages in an AI-driven world.

3. Embrace micro-learning.

Spending just a few minutes daily exploring new ideas, tools, or languages can transform our mindset more than waiting for the perfect training to come along.

4. Share what you learn.

The moment we teach or assist someone else, learning feels more human.

Learning today isn't just about chasing certificates or titles. It’s about staying open to change, to others and to ourselves. The most valuable skills are not the most technical.

They truly embody what it means to be human: compassion, understanding, and the brave spirit to keep discovering new things, even as the world moves faster than ever. What’s one exciting thing you’re looking forward to exploring this month not for work, but just for yourself?

#LifelongLearning #MindfulCareer #StudiKarsa

Part I: Skilling and Reskilling

Part II: Budi's Story a Middle Aged Technician

Part III: How to Anticipate and Adapt Humanely